NVBDCP | National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme

URBAN MALARIA SCHEME (UMS)

INTRODUCTION

CONTROL OF MALARIA IN URBAN SITUATION

Malaria in urban areas was considered to be a marginal problem restricted to mega towns only and was considered that local bodies are capable of handling it. Therefore while launching the National Malaria Eradication Programme in 1958, Urban Malaria was not included. By 1970s, incidence of rural malaria came down drastically i.e. 0.1 to 0.15 million cases per year but the urban town reported rising trend. Madhok Committee in 1970, investigated the problem and assessed that 10 to 12% of total cases were contributed by urban areas. The committee recommended anti larval measures for containment of urban malaria, because it was feared that proliferation from urban to rural may spread and nullify the gains already made.

Malaria in urban areas is contributed by large scale rural-urban migrations triggered by urban “push” (for earning livelihood) and urban “pull” (for availing both Medicare/ educational opportunities) phenomenon. Demographic and societal changes, unplanned urbanization, completion of projects in total disregard of health impact assessment and incorporation of non eco-friendly technologies all contributed to increased vector breeding potential. Insufficient capacities of the civic bodies to deal with water supply, sewage and solid waste disposal led to an all round disruptions. Intermittent water supply led to increased water storage practices which resulted in extensive breeding of An.stephensi, vector of urban malaria.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The control of malaria in the urban areas was thought of an important strategy as a programme complimentary to the NVBDCP for rural areas. Modified Plan of Operation (MPO) was designed and submitted to the Cabinet to tackle the malaria situation in both urban and rural areas in the country simultaneously. Under MPO, it was decided to initiate anti-larval and anti-parasitic measures to abate the malaria transmission in urban areas. The proposal to control malaria in towns named as Urban Malaria Scheme was approved during 1971 and it was envisaged that 131 towns would be covered under the scheme in a phased manner. This scheme was sanctioned during November, 1971 and the expenditure on this scheme is treated as plan expenditure in centrally sponsored sector. The central assistance under this scheme was treated 100 per cent grant to the State Governments in kind. From 1979-80, the expenditure on this scheme is being shared between the Centre and the State Governments on 50: 50 basis.

At present, Urban Malaria Scheme is protecting 115.1 million population from malaria as well as from other mosquito borne diseases in 131 towns in 19 States and Union Territory.