Sambalpur: Malaria Returns to Sambalpur; Drug-Infused Mosquito Nets Ineffective, Screening to Increase

Sambalpur: Malaria has made a concerning return to Sambalpur. In 2021, there were 120 malaria cases reported in the district. The number of cases decreased slightly in 2022, with 82 recorded, but increased to 161 by 2023. This year, by the end of August, 510 cases had been identified, according to the district health department. The true figure could be even higher, and experts predict that cases will continue to rise.

Ineffective Mosquito Nets Raise Concerns

In 2020, the health department distributed drug-infused mosquito nets to combat malaria. However, these nets have since lost their effectiveness, potentially contributing to the rise in cases. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) stated that a request has been made to the health department for more effective nets for the district.

Rising Malaria Cases Across Urban and Rural Areas

The increase in malaria cases is not limited to Sambalpur but has spread to surrounding rural areas as well. Charmal, Fashimal, Jujumura, and Naktideul are among the hardest-hit regions. In response, the health department increased the frequency of screenings. In 2021, 1.1 lakh people were screened, with 1.3 lakh in 2022 and 1.4 lakh in 2023. However, as of August 2024, only 1.1 lakh screenings had been conducted, prompting the department to schedule additional screenings for September.

Experts Criticize Administration and Health Department

Local health officials blame both the district administration and the health department for the resurgence of malaria. Initially, the government took malaria control seriously, but efforts have waned over time. Malaria control programs have suffered significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. In June, a research team led by Dr. Sanjeev Mishra, Professor at VIMSAR, conducted a study to highlight the ineffectiveness of mosquito nets. The study, which focused on Burla, discovered that while 94.2% of residents were given mosquito nets, only 54.26% used them properly.

Health Services Still Lacking in Rural Areas

Another issue is a lack of adequate health care in the district’s remote areas. Many patients prefer injections over oral medications, resulting in incomplete treatment courses. This exacerbates disease spread by causing patients to discontinue treatment prematurely after only one or two injections.

Poor Sanitation and Stagnant Water: Key Contributors

Sambalpur remains a malaria hotspot, owing to poor waste management and unsanitary conditions. Improper garbage disposal and inadequate drainage cleaning have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, contributing to the increase in cases.

Immediate Action Needed

Despite several government programs aimed at malaria control, the situation remains critical. To avoid the situation worsening, both the district administration and the health department must take immediate action, as well as local residents’ cooperation. If current conditions persist, Sambalpur may face a more severe malaria outbreak in the coming months.