Is Threat Of Epidemic Looming? Health Ministry Issues Alert On Dengue, Malaria To States

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 17:36 IST

Union Health Ministry has asked all state Chief Ministers to remain alert and prepare an action plan within 20 days. Here’s what prompted the alert

The Union Health Ministry has urged local bodies to remain vigilant and prepared at both administrative and personal levels.

Heavy rains across the country have caused widespread flooding in several states, prompting both the central and state governments to step up disaster management measures. In response, the Union Health Ministry has issued a fresh advisory to Chief Ministers, urging them to remain vigilant and prepared at both the administrative and personal levels.

Concerns are rising over the possible spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria in the coming months. On Thursday, the Union Health Ministry advised all states to implement preventive measures against dengue and malaria and to raise community awareness.

The advisory followed a review meeting on dengue and malaria cases chaired by Health Minister J.P. Nadda on September 11, highlighting the need for proactive measures ahead of the post-monsoon season.

Chief Ministers have been asked to personally monitor the situation and prepare a detailed action plan within 20 days. Local bodies, municipal corporations, and Nagar Panchayats have been directed to educate citizens about disease prevention. Government hospitals under the central government have been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of medicines, testing facilities, and beds, while also maintaining mosquito-free environments. High-level meetings have been held in Delhi-NCR to curb the potential outbreak of dengue and malaria.

The recent waterlogging caused by heavy rains has created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, which could facilitate the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. Experts caution that communities should take preventive measures seriously to avoid outbreaks.

The Health Ministry emphasised that India has made significant progress in malaria control over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2024, malaria cases fell by 78 percent, with a comparable reduction in malaria-related deaths.

Between 2022 and 2024, 160 districts reported no malaria cases, while 33 states and union territories recorded fewer than one case, underlining the success of national malaria control initiatives.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a malaria-free India by 2030, while urging states to remain vigilant against both malaria and dengue in the post-monsoon period. The advisory stresses that continued awareness, preparedness, and timely intervention are crucial to preventing a resurgence of vector-borne diseases.

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Author: News18