The Odisha Government recently decided to launch a new Malaria Control Program, DAMAN, in remote tribal-dominated areas.
Odisha has 62 types of tribes including 13 primitive tribes that constitute 22.3 percent of the State’s population. The population is under the high risk of malaria infection.
The annual expenditure for the programme will be ` 24 crores from the state budget. The drive aims at supplementing the routine malaria control activities and fill the gaps in case finding and treatment among the high risk population of inaccessible villages of high endemic areas.
DAMAN stands for Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (Malaria Control in Inaccessible Areas).
The programme incorporate mass screening for malaria with treatment of positive cases along with intensified supervision, mosquito control measures and regular health education activities throughout the year. Around 80 lakh high risk population will benefit from the programme.
Malaria Elimination Programme DAMAN