Nepal Health News, Karnali — Malaria, once limited to the Terai and inner Madhesh regions, has now begun appearing in Himalayan districts, posing a new challenge for Karnali Province.
On the occasion of World Malaria Day, the Karnali Province Health Service Directorate in Surkhet released new data confirming malaria infections in two individuals in Adanchuli and Tajakot Rural Municipalities of Humla district.
According to Shyamlal Acharya, the contact person at the Directorate, one of the infected individuals in Adanchuli had no travel history. “This fact has seriously alerted us,” he said.
A Challenge to Malaria Elimination Goals
Although Karnali Province has set a long-term goal of eliminating malaria, the emergence of infections in the Himalayan region presents a significant challenge. As per data for the current fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), there are 38 malaria cases across the province.
Seven wards in the province are classified as medium-risk zones, primarily in Surkhet, Mugu, and Humla districts. Wards 2, 3, and 4 of Tajakot Rural Municipality in Humla are considered high-risk areas.
Nature of the Infections
The highest number of cases has been reported in Surkhet district. Twenty-five people have been infected across seven municipalities: Panchpuri, Birendranagar, Chaukune, Gurbhakot, Barahatal, Simta, and Lekbeshi. All of these are considered imported cases — patients who contracted the disease outside the region.
A few cases have also been reported in Kalikot and Dailekh districts. According to Acharya, the open border with India makes it difficult to control imported malaria cases.
Prevention Measures
To control the spread of malaria, the Health Service Directorate has introduced strategies including strengthening surveillance and information systems, launching vector control programs in high-risk areas, and implementing plans to reduce the transmission rate.
“We are making every effort to reduce malaria, but the fact that infections are now appearing in the Himalayan region is a serious concern,” Acharya stated.
