The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is the programme for prevention & control of these vector borne diseases as an integral part of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) of India. The NVBDCP envisages a self-sustained and well informed, healthy India free from vector borne diseases with equitable access to quality health care services nearest to their residences. The Programme activities are directed in a way to meet with the Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing the incidence of malaria and other vector borne diseases by the year 2015 towards reduction of poverty.

The programme aims to make the investments sustainable by developing robust systems and supporting the local capacity. It is planned to ensure that the right diagnostics and treatment are available to all people – especially the poor and disadvantaged living in tribal and rural areas. The GoI has provided cash assistance for engaging Multi-Purpose Health Workers (MPW) on contractual basis in high endemic districts for strengthening surveillance, treatment, prevention and control of malaria and other vector borne diseases. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Anganwadi Workers and MPWs are trained on the use of RDTs and ACT for malaria diagnosis and treatment at community level. Incentives are given to ASHAs for providing these services.

Significant progress has been made in some states but the progress in a few other states has been uneven, although tender shoots of success are visible. Though the malaria situation has leveled to around 1.5 million cases per year in the past few years, there is immense confidence for future in spite of logistic challenges. The window of opportunity is wide open with availability of effective interventions and increased resource allocations.

Monitoring and evaluation are integral to every aspect of the programme and critical to its success. A new cadre of Malaria Technical Supervisors has been inducted in high endemic areas at sub-district level to strengthen supportive supervision and micro-level monitoring of diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control activities.