MARGAO
In a significant public health milestone, Margao has reported zero indigenous cases of malaria, reinforcing Goa’s steady progress towards malaria elimination.
Health officials confirmed that the few isolated cases detected in recent months were limited to migrant workers arriving from malaria-endemic states.
The update was shared during a joint meeting of the South Goa District Coordination Committee for Control of Vector Borne Diseases and the South Goa District Task Force for Malaria Elimination, held at the South Goa Collectorate.
Deputy Director of Health Services (NVBDCP), Dr Kalpana Mahatme, informed the committee that Goa is firmly on track towards achieving malaria elimination status. She said data for Sub-National Malaria Elimination, maintaining an Annual Parasite Incidence (API) in Category I with zero indigenous cases, has been submitted to the Government of India for validation and award.
“Margao, along with Vasco and Cortalim, has traditionally been categorised as a high-risk malaria zone due to mega housing projects and the influx of migrant workers. However, we have not recorded any indigenous malaria cases. The isolated cases detected were restricted to migrants,” Dr Mahatme told The Goan.
She attributed the success to strict surveillance, sustained monitoring, and intensified awareness campaigns, particularly at construction sites. “Malaria cases at construction sites have been virtually eliminated. The few isolated cases reported were from areas near the railway station and market, involving migrant populations,” she said, adding that the malaria situation in Margao remains completely under control.
The meeting was chaired by Additional Collector II, South Goa, Ramesh Gaonkar, who reviewed the implementation of various measures aimed at achieving malaria elimination.
The committee stressed the need to activate panchayat-level committees focused on garbage control, water sanitation, and public health. Regular meetings have been mandated, with minutes to be forwarded to the Health Department for follow-up action.
To curb the spread of vector-borne diseases in industrial areas, the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has been asked to submit a list of functional and non-functional industrial units, details of establishments with paramedical facilities, and information on ongoing construction activities within industrial estates.
