A month-long campaign is underway across the capital district to raise awareness about malaria prevention and symptoms, aiming to curb its spread before the onset of the monsoon season. Observed nationwide every June, Anti-Malaria Month promotes community understanding of malaria prevention before the high-risk rainy season. In Bhopal, the district malaria office is running intensive campaigns in collaboration with the Eliminating Malaria through Behaviour Change Communication and Early Detection (EMBED) project and Family Health India. Various programmes including oath ceremonies, awareness rallies, slogan-writing contests and neighbourhood outreach are being held. In high-risk areas, Gambusia fish — known for feeding on mosquito larvae — are being released into stagnant water bodies. The state capital has shown encouraging results in malaria control. This year, 57,263 people have been tested so far, with only four testing positive. Malaria is transmitted by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, which breeds in clean, stagnant water. Chills followed by fever are its most common symptoms. Children under five and pregnant women are most vulnerable. Without timely treatment, malaria can become life-threatening. During pregnancy, it may endanger both mother and child. The campaign also includes early testing, complete treatment, door-to-door surveillance, distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, spraying, and larval control. Health workers are undergoing special training and receiving field supervision. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Prabhakar Tiwari urged citizens to eliminate breeding spots by covering water containers and cleaning coolers and tanks every four days. Free malaria testing and medicines are available at government health centres and through ASHA workers.

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