Chandigarh, 25th April 2026-In line with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, the Malaria Wing of the Health Department, UT Chandigarh, observed World Malaria Day 2026 today with a series of awareness and preventive activities across the city. The theme for this year is “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”

The activities were carried out under the guidance and leadership of Director Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Suman.

A pledge for prevention and control of malaria was administered to health staff at Malaria Units across all AAMs, involving SMOs/MOs, paramedical staff, and patients. The pledge highlighted the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding sources at the community level. Similar pledges were also taken by students and teachers during prayer meetings in educational institutions.

Awareness rallies were organized by malaria workers across 39 field units. Door-to-door visits were conducted to spread awareness and distribute IEC material, along with intensive checking of mosquito breeding sources.

Lectures were delivered at various educational institutions by officers and health workers to educate students and staff about the signs, symptoms, and preventive measures related to malaria. Special emphasis was placed on malaria elimination strategies and community participation. Dr. Upendrajeet Singh Gill, Assistant Director Malaria, sensitized students and teachers at Chitkara International School, Sector 25, with participation from 484 students and 57 teachers. Similar sensitization sessions were conducted at Saint Soldier International Public School, Sector 28, and Shri Guru Hari Kishan Public School, Sector 40, where 150 students and 97 teachers were covered.

Active blood slide collection was undertaken at multiple locations, with 258 slides prepared in the field. Field surveillance activities included inspection of potential mosquito breeding sites such as coolers, overhead tanks, and water storage units, accompanied by public announcements through megaphones.

Vector control measures were intensified across vulnerable areas. Indoor residual spraying was conducted at 38 locations, anti-larval treatment at 79 locations, fogging using handheld machines at 6 locations, and vehicle-mounted fogging at 8 locations.

Environmental control measures were also promoted through the use of larvivorous fish (Gambusia). Dr. Upendrajeet Singh Gill released Gambusia fish at Butterfly Park, Sector 26.

Enforcement of municipal bye-laws was carried out rigorously. A total of 47 notices, 30 show-cause notices, and 11 challans were issued to defaulters found responsible for mosquito breeding conditions.

On this occasion, field teams conducted extensive inspections covering 2,571 households and 4,325 containers, including 678 coolers, 1,490 overhead tanks, 118 tyres, 162 refrigerator trays, and 122 animal/bird feeding pots. A total of 39 rallies were conducted, 56 group talks were held, and lectures were delivered at 84 venues. Around 4,200 pamphlets were distributed across the city.

Special outreach efforts included awareness at 25 construction sites and announcements in sensitive areas such as slums and colonies. Advertisements on malaria prevention were published in leading Hindi and English newspapers, and radio jingles were broadcast on 92.7 Big FM and 94.3 MY FM to further amplify public awareness.