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India contributed approximately 66% of the malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia region in 2022. In India, approximately 44% of cases have been reported to be disproportionately contributed by approximately 27 districts. A comparative analysis of reported malaria cases between January 2017 and December 2022 was performed in Mandla district, which is the site of a model malaria elimination demonstration project (MEDP) in Madhya Pradesh (MP), India. Compared to 2017, the decrease in malaria cases in Mandla from 2018 to 2022 was higher than MP and the rest of the country. The reduction of cases was significant in 2018, 2019, and 2021 ( p < 0.01) (Mandla vs. MP) and was highly significant during 2018-2022 ( p < 0.001) (Mandla vs. India). Robust surveillance and real-time data-based decisions accompanied by appropriate management, operational controls, and independent reviews, all designed for resource optimisation, were the reasons for eliminating indigenous malaria in Mandla district. The increase in infection rates during the months immediately following rains suggests that surveillance, vector control, and case management efforts should be specifically intensified for eliminating imported and indigenous cases in the near-elimination districts to work towards achieving the national elimination goal of 2030., Competing Interests: AL was employed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Singh, Bharti, Rajvanshi, Sahu, Jayswar, Anvikar and Lal.)

Malaria poses a major public health challenge in the Asia Pacific. Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project was conducted as a public-private partnership initiative in Mandla between State government, ICMR, and FDEC India. The project employed controls for efficient operational and management decisions. IEC campaigns found crucial in schools and communities. Capacity building of local workers emphasized for better diagnosis and treatment. SOCH mobile app launched for complete digitalization. Better supervision for Indoor Residual Sprays and optimized Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets distribution. Significant malaria cases reduction in Mandla. Insights from MEDP crucial for malaria elimination strategies in other endemic regions of the Asia Pacific., Competing Interests: AL is the founder and president of Global Health and Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer VD declared a shared affiliation with the authors PB and AA to the handling editor at the time of review., (Copyright © 2024 Rajvanshi, Singh, Bharti, Sahu, Jayswar, Govil, Anvikar, Chan, Chebbi, Das and Lal.)