Malaria is a potentially life threatening disease, which is transmitted by the infectious bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The disease produces fever, headache, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. In pregnant women, the disease poses a substantial risk to the mother and the foetus. To fight malaria, it is important that signs and symptoms of the disease should be recognized early so that the patient can receive prompt attention.

In India, malaria has been a major public health problem since ages. The magnitude of the problem can be known by the fact that in 2003 alone 1.87 million cases of malaria and 1006 deaths were reported in India.

1. EPDT (Early Case Detection and Prompt Treatment) is the main strategy of malaria control. Chloroquine is the main anti-malaria drug.
   
   
2. Vector control: Following methods are adopted for this purpose:
   
   
• Use of indoor residual spray with insecticides recommended
• Use of chemical larvicides like Abate in portable water
• Aerosol space spray during daytime
• Malathion fogging during outbreaks
  
  
3. Measures that individuals can take are as follows:
   
   
• Use of mosquito repellent creams, liquids, coils, mats and the like.
• Screening of the houses with wire mesh
• Use of bednets treated with insecticides
  
  
4. Community participation:
   
   
• Sensitizing and involving the community for detection of Anopheles mosquito breeding places and their elimination
• Collaboration with business chambers like FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM.
• Schemes involving Non Governmental Organizations in programme strategies.

• Health Care Facilities
• Malaria Schemes of the Government
• Medical Insurance
• Alternative Medicine