North Andhra Region Scales Up Malaria fight With Drones, Data, And District-Led Action
This year’s World Malaria Day aligns with the WHO’s call to “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” promoting inclusive, technology-driven solutions.
Visakhapatnam: Ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, districts in North Andhra are ramping up efforts to combat malaria using a blend of traditional methods and new-age technology.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has deployed drones to spray pesticides over non-drinking water bodies, a key source of mosquito breeding. “A total of 64 non-drinking water bodies have been identified. ML oil is being sprayed across 209 acres using drones, at six litres per acre,” said Naresh Kumar, GVMC Chief Medical Officer.
Malaria trends vary across the region. Vizianagaram district reported 154 cases so far in 2025, a sharp decline from 804 cases in 2024. DMHO Bhaskar listed Kottam PHC in S. Kota mandal and P.M. Palem PHC in Gantyada mandal as high-prevalence zones, where spraying and dry-day activities are underway.
In Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district, the first phase of insecticide spraying began on April 15 across 2,086 villages under 62 primary health centres. The district has logged 40 cases this year, down from 93 in 2024 and 183 in 2023. Under Corporate Social Responsibility funds, 30,000 mosquito repellents have been distributed in high-risk areas. Officials said 4,22,350 nets were distributed in 2020–21, with 5,85,000 more indentured for this year.
Srikakulam district has identified 28 high-risk villages and initiated spraying operations. Six cases have been reported so far in 2025, down from 43 last year. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam has recorded a marginal increase, with 30 cases so far compared to 23 in 2023.
ASR DMHO highlighted community mobilisation through rallies and door-to-door campaigns, enhanced surveillance in high-risk zones, sanitation drives, and awareness programmes in schools as part of a coordinated multi-departmental response involving Panchayat Raj, Education, Tribal Welfare, and Rural Development.
This year’s World Malaria Day aligns with the WHO’s call to “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” promoting inclusive, technology-driven solutions. The observance, launched globally in 2008, evolved from Africa Malaria Day under the 2001 Abuja Declaration.