Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance. They are the deadliest animals on the planet, responsible for millions of deaths every year. In India, mosquitoes pose a serious threat to public health and development, as they transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis.

The Numbers are Alarming
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for 83% of all malaria cases and 82% of all malaria deaths in the South-East Asia region. Malaria is endemic in most parts of the country, especially in the northeastern and central regions.

Dengue is another major mosquito-borne disease in India, with an estimated 200 thousand cases and 100 deaths in 2022. Dengue outbreaks occur frequently during the monsoon season, when rainfall creates favorable conditions for mosquito breeding.

Chikungunya is a viral disease that causes fever and joint pain. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes that carry dengue. In 2016, India witnessed a massive outbreak of chikungunya, with over 64,000 cases reported across the country.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral infection that affects the brain and can cause death or disability. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that breed in rice fields and pig farms. JE is endemic in 171 districts of 19 states and union territories in India, with an estimated 10,000 cases and 1,000 deaths every year.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a parasitic infection that causes swelling of the limbs and genitals, leading to disability and social stigma. It is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite at night. India has the highest burden of LF in the world, with about 650 million people at risk and 31 million infected.

The Impact is Devastating
Mosquito-borne diseases not only affect the health of individuals, but also the economy and development of the country. They cause loss of productivity, absenteeism from work and school, increased health care costs, reduced tourism, and lower quality of life.

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), malaria alone costs India about $1.94 billion. The study also estimated that if these diseases were eliminated by 2030, India could save $10.7 billion in direct costs and $62.8 billion in indirect costs.

Mosquito-borne diseases also hamper the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. For example, malaria alone can reduce economic growth by up to 1.3% per year in high-burden countries.

The Balance is Important
While mosquitoes are harmful to humans, they are also important for the ecosystem. They serve as food for many animals, such as birds, bats, frogs, fish, and spiders. They also pollinate some plants, such as orchids and cacao. They are part of the natural cycle of life and death.

Therefore, we cannot completely eliminate mosquitoes from the environment. We can only reduce their numbers and their impact on human health. We need to find a balance between protecting ourselves from mosquitoes and respecting their role in nature.

The Solution is Possible
The good news is that mosquito-borne diseases are preventable and treatable. There are effective tools and strategies available to control mosquitoes and their diseases, such as larval source management, environmental sanitation, vector surveillance, mass drug administration, vaccines, and community awareness.

However, these interventions require sustained political commitment, adequate funding, intersectoral collaboration, community participation, and innovation. India has made significant progress in reducing the burden of mosquito-borne diseases in recent years, but there is still a long way to go.

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is the nodal agency for the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases in India. It implements various programmes and activities to combat malaria, dengue, chikungunya, JE, and LF.

Some of the achievements of NVBDCP include:

• Elimination of malaria from Lakshadweep islands.
• Reduction of malaria cases by 83.34% and deaths by 92% between 2000 and 2019
• Reduction of LF prevalence by 43% between 2004 and 2018
• Introduction of JE vaccine in endemic districts since 2006
• Launch of National Dengue Day on May 16 every year since 2016

As individuals, we need to join hands with the government, the health sector, the civil society, the media, and the private sector to fight this common enemy. We need to keep our surroundings clean, avoid water stagnation, use mosquito repellents, sleep under bed nets, seek timely medical care, and report any suspected cases. We need to spread awareness, educate others, and support the efforts of NVBDCP.