NVBDCP | National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme

URBAN MALARIA SCHEME (UMS)

INTRODUCTION

Considering the recommendations of the Health Survey and Development Committee of Govt. of India, 1946 and also keeping in view the widespread adverse effect of malaria on the National Health, economy, industrial and agriculture growth in the country, the Planning Commission accorded highest priority to a nation-wide Malaria Control Programme.

The remarkable success of the NMCP and the fact that malaria had been eradicated in certain countries paved the way for launching the National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP) in the country in 1958. In the plan of operations under NMEP, all roofed structures in the rural areas received insecticidal coverage under the attack phase, excepting those in urban towns with population of over 40,000. In such areas the residual insecticidal coverage was confined only to the houses in the peripheral belt to a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 mile. In the rest area in such towns and cities, the antilarval measures were recommended. The implementation of antilarval measures was made the responsibility of the local bodies. Many of the local bodies that had been carrying out antilarval operations earlier failed to continue the same due to paucity of funds. While on other side, the activities of NMEP have brought down malaria incidence considerably in rural areas. The malaria incidence in towns and cities went up manifold after 1963. This was mainly due to the species, A.stephensi, supplemented by A.culicifacies mosquitoes breeding in wells, cisterns, low-lying areas and wet cultivations within the urban limits. It has also been observed in some towns of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu that. A.stephensi had also started breeding in drains and pools. Secondly, there have been tremendous developmental activities in the urban areas of the country leading to conditions very favourable for mosquito breeding. As a result of this, malaria now being freely disseminated from urban areas to rural areas by the free movement of people to the big cities and towns in search of employment in various developmental activities like industries, constructions, etc. While moving out of urban areas they carry the infection to rural areas that are already cleared of malaria. Thus the fresh foci of transmission are established in rural areas.

The control of malaria in the urban areas was thought to be an important strategy complimentary to the NMEP 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 antilarval and antiparasitic measures to abate the malaria transmission in urban areas. The proposal to control malaria in towns was named as Urban Malaria Scheme which was approved during 1971. It was envisaged that 132 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 Govts., in kind or in cash. From 1979-80, the expenditure on this scheme is being shared between the centre and the state Governments on 50:50 basis.

Initially only 23 towns worst affected with malaria were approved by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for assistance under this scheme. During 1972-73, five more towns were selected. Due to drastic cut in the budget, only these 28 towns continued to receive assistance under Urban Malaria Scheme and no more towns were brought under this scheme till 1976-77. Again, a fresh approach was made to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and additional 87 towns were brought under this scheme in three phases - (1977-78 :38, 1978-79;37 and 79-80:12). During 1980-81, it was proposed to extend the activities of Urban Malaria Scheme to 17 additional towns worst affected with malaria. At present scheme is functioning in 131 towns.