Malaria is the foremost public health problem of Orissa. Vedanta Resources group has taken initiative to work towards eradication of malaria in Kalahandi district in Orissa.

In Orissa, Malaria is one of the major public health issues in the district of Kalahandi. Concerned about the increasing rate of malaria positive patients in district, Vedanta Aluminium, a company of Vedanta Resources plc, has partnered with State Government, NRHM, National Vector Borne Disease Control Program and local health authority under Public Private Partnership approach to eradicate Malaria from the region. This is the first PPP arrangement in Orissa, involving Corporate Organization to eradicate malaria.

The project named as ‘Roll Back Malaria’ aims at achieving zero malaria death rates and reducing incidence of malaria by 50% by the end of 2009.

Dr Mukesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer said that “It will cover entire Lanjigarh block in Kalahandi district. Subsequently, the program can be expanded to other blocks of the district.”

The program has taken up an integrated approach to make Lanjigarh malaria free. It focuses on building awareness about the disease, its diagnosis and prevention. Vedanta’s medical team along with local ANM, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA Workers, health officials will work hand in hand in this project. Any incidence of fever would be attended within 24 hours with diagnosis and treatment. Each household would be provided with long lasting insecticide impregnated mosquito net, which will last for five years.

Community Mobilization is the focus of the project, according to Dr. Sushil Rath, Chief District Medical Officer of Kalahandi. Health workers and officials will also be trained under this program. Mobile health unit of Vedanta will be engaged in providing the health services at the door step. Drugs would be supplied by district health administration. Vedanta will add-on to the supply, wherever necessary.