In a bid to help combat Malaria and other fatal diseases in India, World Bank has announced a USD 520 million scheme, the largest such project by the world body in any country. Over 100 million people in India will be provided prevention services and treatment under the scheme designed by the Indian government, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberclosis and Malaria Welcoming the scheme, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Malaria congratulated both the World Bank and the Indian Government for their “tremendous commitment” to combating malaria and like diseases. More than two million cases of the disease are reported yearly in the country, causing India to lose nearly 80 million days in productivity annually. “Malaria continues to be a major threat to the lives of millions of poor Indians through premature death, disability, and unnecessary suffering,” said Isabel Guerrero, the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, when the body’s new initiative that will cost USD 520.75 million was announced on July 31. Falciparum malaria, a severe form of the disease which is often fatal, is on the rise in India due to increased resistance to chloroquine treatment, which was previously the primary anti-malaria drug, the world body said. “This project uses the latest science on malaria control, including a new highly effective drug regimen, to effectively address this problem,” Guerrero noted.

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