India is taking steady strides towards a malaria-free nation with as many as 122 districts reporting zero malaria cases in 2023, according to Union Health Ministry officials on Wednesday (December 25).

• The country has exited the World Health Organization's (WHO) high burden to high impact group in 2024, marking a significant turning point in its fight against malaria.
• With over 97% reduction, the number of annual malaria cases declined from 7.5 crore at the time of independence in 1947 to 20 lakhs by 2023.
• The number of malaria-related deaths also fell from eight lakhs to 83, the officials said.

In 2023, zero malaria cases were reported in 122 districts across various states, said the ministry officials.