NMCP 1953

National Malaria Prevention Program

Introduction

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes. In India, P. vivax and P. falciparum are most common.

History of Malaria Control in India

• 1953: National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) launched.
• 1958: Upgraded to National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP).
• 1976: Malaria resurgence due to drug/insecticide resistance and poor infrastructure.
• 1977: Modified Plan of Operation (MPO) initiated.
• 1997: Enhanced Malaria Control Project (EMCP) with World Bank support.
• 2002: Integration into National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).
• 2017–2022: National Strategic Plan aimed at malaria elimination.

Objectives

• Reduce malaria transmission to a non-public health problem level.
• Maintain low transmission through state-level actions.

Control Strategies

1.     Early Case Detection & Prompt Treatment (EDPT)

• Chloroquine is main drug; alternatives used for resistance cases.
• Drug Distribution Centres (DDCs) and Fever Treatment Depots (FTDs) established.

2.     Vector Control

• Chemical: Indoor residual sprays, larvicides, fogging.
• Biological: Larvivorous fish, biocides.
• Urban Malaria Scheme (UMS) active in 131 towns.

Urban Malaria Challenges

• Unplanned urbanization, slums, poor sanitation, and water storage lead to mosquito breeding.
• Overburdened health staff and lack of integrated vector control strategies.
• Development projects without health assessment contribute to outbreaks.

Anti-Malarial Drug Policy

• Drafted in 1982 due to chloroquine resistance.
• Drugs used: Chloroquine, Primaquine, Artesunate, Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, etc.

Key Milestones

• NMCP (1953) → NMEP (1958) → MPO (1977) → EMCP (1995) → NVBDCP (2004)

Roles & Functions

• NVBDCP: Central agency for malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
• Coordinates policy, logistics, and monitoring.
• Field-level implementation through District Malaria Units and Sub-centres.
• ICMR & NIMR: Support with research, drug resistance studies, and evaluation of new tools.

Reference 

Malviya K, Sahoo S, Dasadiya D, Acharya V. Social and Preventive Pharmacy. 1st ed. Pee Vee (Regd.); 2021