The Gujarat Health Department has conducted more than 94 lakh malaria tests this year to combat mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon. Over 19,500 health teams have reached 6.51 crore people in the state through house-to-house visits. The initiative is part of the ‘National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme’ led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Health Minister Praful Pansheriya to control malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
Health officials have collected a record 94 lakh blood samples in 2026 for early malaria detection, with 486 positive cases receiving free treatment. Special diagnostic centers have been established in 42 hospitals attached to medical colleges for diagnosing other vector-borne diseases. These centers have tested thousands of serum samples for dengue and chikungunya, while field surveillance has been intensified.
During the recent house-to-house campaign, more than 19,500 health teams screened individuals with fever symptoms, identifying 28 new malaria cases for immediate treatment. The state has destroyed over 29 lakh mosquito breeding sites and conducted fogging operations in three lakh houses to reduce mosquito populations. Larvivorous fish have been introduced at nearly 5,000 locations to control mosquito larvae.
Insecticide spraying has covered about 1.06 lakh people in 116 villages sensitive to vector-borne diseases, with a second round scheduled for August 1. Health Minister Pansheriya urged sarpanches to support the campaign against vector-borne diseases. The Health Department has ensured adequate stocks of anti-malaria medicines, insecticides, and larvicides across the state, alongside awareness campaigns through media channels.
