National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) in India
Introduction to Vector-Borne Diseases in India
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases globally, causing over 700,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2024). In India, six major vector-borne diseases — **Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), and Lymphatic Filariasis** — pose significant public health challenges, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Launched in 2003–04 by merging individual disease control programmes, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) is the cornerstone of India’s fight against these diseases under the Directorate of National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Objectives of NVBDCP
The programme operates under the umbrella of the
National Health Mission (NHM) with the following key objectives:
1. Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis by 2030 (in line with WHO NTD Roadmap)
2. Elimination of Kala-azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) from all endemic blocks
3. Reduction of malaria incidence and mortality to pre-elimination levels, aiming for malaria-free India by 2027 and elimination by 2030
4. Intensive control of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Japanese Encephalitis through integrated vector management
Six Major Diseases Covered Under NVBDCP
| Disease | Vector | Key Endemic Regions | Status (2024–2025) |
| Malaria | Anopheles mosquitoes | Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, MP, Northeast | 79% decline in cases since 2015 |
| Dengue & Chikungunya | Aedes aegypti & albopictus | Urban & peri-urban areas across India | Seasonal outbreaks, especially post-monsoon |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Culex mosquitoes | UP, Bihar, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka | Vaccine-preventable; included in UIP |
| Kala-azar | Phlebotomus argentipes (sandfly) | Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, UP | Targeted for elimination by 2023 (extended) |
| Lymphatic Filariasis | Culex, Anopheles, Aedes | 272 endemic districts (2024) | Mass Drug Administration (MDA) ongoing |
Key Strategies Under NVBDCP
1. Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
• Early diagnosis and complete treatment
• Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) with approved insecticides (e.g., DDT 50% in kala-azar areas, synthetic pyrethroids for malaria)
• Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) distribution — over 180 million LLINs distributed till 2024
• Larval source management (biological & chemical larvicides)
2. Disease-Specific Interventions
Malaria
• Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative since 2000
• Use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT)
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and bivalent RDTs (Pf + Pan)
• National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027) launched in 2023
Dengue & Chikungunya
• Sentinel surveillance hospitals (over 750 in 2024)
• Apex referral labs with ELISA testing facility
• Public awareness via **“Dengue Day”** observed on 16th of every month
• Source reduction campaigns
Japanese Encephalitis (JE)
• JE vaccination in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) since 2012
• Two-dose schedule (9–12 months and 16–24 months)
• Over 150 million children vaccinated till date
Kala-azar
Single-dose Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome) as first-line treatment
• Active case detection through camp approach
• Wage compensation (₹500/day) for diagnosed patients
• Kala-azar Elimination 3.0 strategy launched in 2023
• Lymphatic Filariasis
• Annual Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with DEC + Albendazole (Triple Drug Therapy introduced in select districts)
• Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP)
3. Surveillance & Monitoring
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) linkage
• National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) as apex body
• Real-time reporting through Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
Major Achievements (2003–2025)
| Indicator | 2003–2005 Baseline | 2023–2024 Status | % Reduction |
| Malaria Cases | ~2 million | ~1.8 lakh | 91% |
| Malaria Deaths | ~1000 | ~73 (2023) | 93% |
| Kala-azar Cases | ~33,000 | < 600 (2023) | >98% |
| Kala-azar Endemic Blocks (non-reporting >1 year) | — | 600+ blocks | — |
| Lymphatic Filariasis Endemic Districts | 250 (2014) | 141 (2024) | 44% decline |
India achieved WHO certification for being malaria-free in 10 states/UTs (2023–2024) including Andaman & Nicobar, Himachal Pradesh, etc.
Real-Life Example: Success Story of Odisha in Malaria Control
Odisha was once the **highest malaria-burden state** in India, contributing **40–50% of national cases** till 2016.
DAMaN Initiative (2017 onwards) – Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran
• High-risk, inaccessible areas targeted
• Community volunteers (Asha workers, Gaon Kalyan Samiti members) trained
• Bi-monthly mass screening and treatment
• LLIN distribution and IRS intensified
Result (2017–2023):
• Malaria cases dropped from 4,44,851 (2016) to 4,912 (2023) — a 99% decline
• Deaths reduced from 77 to zero in many districts
Odisha became the first state to receive WHO malaria elimination certificate for significant progress in 2024.
Challenges Facing NVBDCP
1. Climate change → extended transmission seasons
2. Insecticide resistance (especially pyrethroids)
3. Urbanization → breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes
4. Migration and population movement
5. Inadequate sanitation and water storage practices
6. Drug resistance (chloroquine-resistant malaria strains)
7. Funding constraints in high-burden states
Recent Developments (2024–2025)
• Launch of Anopheles stephensi surveillance guideline (urban malaria vector)
• Introduction of Triple Drug Therapy (IDA) for lymphatic filariasis in 10+ districts
• Rollout of mRNA-based dengue vaccine trials in collaboration with Indian manufacturers
• Integration of drones for larvicide spraying in hard-to-reach areas (pilot in Assam, Telangana)
• National Framework for Malaria Elimination Phase II (2023–2027) endorsed by WHO
Role of Community Participation
Success of NVBDCP heavily relies on:
• ASHA workers conducting fever surveys
• Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNC)
• School-based awareness programs
• Tumio Pari, Humio Pari campaign for kala-azar elimination in Bihar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is NVBDCP full form?
A. National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme.
Q2. Which diseases are covered under NVBDCP?
A. Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis.
Q3. When was NVBDCP launched in India?
A. It was launched in 2003–04 by merging earlier vertical programmes.
Q4. Is malaria eliminated in India?
A. No, but India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030. Cases have reduced by over 90% since 2000.
Q5. What is Mass Drug Administration (MDA)?
A. Annual distribution of anti-filarial drugs (DEC + Albendazole) to entire at-risk population (except children <2 years, pregnant women).
Q6. How can I protect myself from dengue?
A. Use mosquito repellents, wear full-sleeve clothes, eliminate stagnant water, and use bed nets.
Q7. Is JE vaccine available free of cost?
A. Yes, JE vaccine is part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in endemic districts.
Q8. Which state has shown the most dramatic reduction in malaria?
A. Odisha — from ~4.5 lakh cases in 2016 to under 5,000 in 2023 through the DAMaN initiative.
Q9. What is the role of LLINs in malaria control?
A. Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets provide personal protection and community-level reduction in vector density.
Q10. When is National Anti-Malaria Month observed?
A. June every year, with intensified IEC and vector control activities.
Conclusion
The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) stands as one of India’s most successful public health interventions, transforming the country from a high-burden nation to a global leader in malaria and kala-azar elimination efforts. With sustained political commitment, inter-sectoral coordination, community participation, and adoption of innovative tools, India is firmly on the path to achieving elimination of lymphatic filariasis by 2030 , kala-azar from all blocks , and becoming malaria-free by 2030.
However, emerging challenges — climate change, urbanization, and insecticide resistance — demand continuous adaptation and investment.
Every citizen has a role to play: eliminate mosquito breeding sites, use protective measures, and participate in government campaigns. Together, a vector-borne disease-free India is within reach.