Month: April 2025

Source: Government of India

World Malaria Day – 2025

Towards a Malaria-Free India

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

“Malaria has been a big challenge confronting humanity for four thousand years. Even at the time of Independence, it was one of our biggest health challenges. Today, I can say with satisfaction that the countrymen have collectively, strongly fought this challenge.”   Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi

Summary World Malaria Day is observed globally every year on 25th April. With an 80.5% decline in Malaria cases, between 2025-2023, India exited WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, marking a global milestone. Malaria deaths declined by 78.38% between 2015 and 2023. 122 districts reported zero malaria cases in 2023, showing strong localized impact. Intensified Malaria Elimination Project (IMEP) -3 targets 159 high-burden districts to accelerate malaria elimination in vulnerable areas. The nationwide “Test, Treat, Track” strategy ensures early detection and timely treatment. India aims to achieve zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030.

 

World Malaria Day is observed globally on 25th April each year, following its institution by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) member states during the 2007 World Health Assembly. The theme for 2025, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calls for renewed global commitment to end malaria through innovation, collaboration, and sustained action.  

Once among the world’s highest malaria-burdened countries, India has demonstrated remarkable progress through sustained political will, grassroots participation, and targeted interventions. A defining milestone came in 2024, when India exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group—

signalling a paradigm shift in the country’s malaria trajectory.  Backed by the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and the National Strategic Plan (2023–2027), India has aligned its strategy with global standards while tailoring solutions to local needs.

With an 80.5% reduction in malaria cases and 78.3% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2023, and over 122 districts reporting zero cases last year, the country is advancing with renewed momentum towards achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027 and setting a global benchmark in public health elimination efforts. India reaffirms its steadfast commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030.

Overview of Malaria

 

What is Malaria? How does it occur?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites and spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is common in tropical regions, but is preventable and treatable. Malaria does not spread from person to person, though it can also be transmitted through infected blood or contaminated needles. If left untreated, especially in cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection, it can lead to severe illness or even death within 24 hours.

 

What are its symptoms?

The most common early symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and chills, usually appearing 10–15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may be mild, especially in people who’ve had malaria before, making early testing essential for timely treatment. Severe symptoms can include extreme fatigue, confusion, repeated seizures, breathing difficulties, dark or bloody urine, jaundice, and abnormal bleeding. Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death.

 

How can it be prevented?

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and, in some cases, by taking preventive medicines. If you’re travelling to areas where malaria is common, consult a doctor about taking preventive drugs (chemoprophylaxis) in advance. To lower the risk of mosquito bites, use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially in areas where malaria is present. Apply mosquito repellents that contain DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin after dusk. You can also use coils, vaporizers, and window screens to keep mosquitoes away. Wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings helps protect exposed skin.

 

How can it be treated?

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to curing malaria and stopping its spread. Anyone with symptoms should get tested using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test. Malaria is a serious illness that always requires treatment with medicine. The type of medicine used depends on the type of malaria parasite, the person’s age, weight, whether they are pregnant, and if the parasite is resistant to certain drugs. The most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum is Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACTs). Chloroquine is used to treat Plasmodium vivax in areas where it is still effective. Primaquine is added to prevent relapses in P. vivax and P. ovale cases. Most treatments are given in pill form, but people with severe malaria may need to be treated with injectable medicines at a hospital or health centre.

 

Global Burden of Malaria

According to the World Malaria Report, the estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 5 lakhs 97 thousand in 2023, compared to 6 lakhs in 2022.

In 2023, the 11 HBHI countries were responsible for 66% of global malaria cases and 68% of deaths.

India’s Commitment and National Goals

 

India remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate malaria by 2030, with the intermediate target of zero indigenous cases by 2027. The strategic roadmap for this mission is guided by:

 

• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India (2016–2030) outlines the vision, goals, and targets for phased malaria elimination.
• The recently launched National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027) builds upon earlier frameworks and aligns with the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030.

Key Interventions and Strategic Approach by the Government for Malaria Control

 

To translate its malaria elimination vision into actionable outcomes, India has adopted a comprehensive, evidence-driven strategy. This approach integrates disease management, vector control, and community-driven interventions to ensure lasting impact and inclusive health coverage.

Strategies for elimination of Malaria:

 

• Malaria surveillance as a core intervention for malaria elimination.
• Ensuring universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment by enhancing and optimizing case management -“testing, treating and tracking”.
• Ensuring universal access to malaria prevention by enhancing and optimizing vector control
• Accelerating efforts towards elimination and attainment of malaria –free status.
• Promoting research and supporting the generation of strategic information for malaria elimination and prevention of re-establishment of malaria transmission.

Other Supportive Interventions

• Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) for community mobilization. This includes mass media campaigns, community engagement, and leveraging local influencers.
• Inter-sectoral convergence involving various ministries and stakeholders to address the socio-economic and environmental determinants of malaria.
• Capacity building: Over 850 health professionals trained in 2024 and conducting studies on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy.
• The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030 categorizes regions by malaria prevalence, with Category 3 – Intensified Control Phase targeting high-burden areas. This phase focuses on aggressive disease control, district-level planning, and specific strategies for P. vivax, supported by robust systems and resources to move towards elimination.
• Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 high-burden districts across 12 states, focusing on malaria-prone and vulnerable populations to accelerate elimination efforts.
• Funding supports key interventions such as LLIN distribution, entomological surveillance, and data-driven monitoring systems to ensure sustained impact.
• Integration of malaria services under Ayushman Bharat and delivery through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Officers.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had lauded the community-led malaria control as a key driver in the 117^th edition of the Mann Ki Baat programme on 29^th December, 2024. These examples highlight the power of grassroots action in achieving a malaria-free India.

 

Conclusion

On World Malaria Day, India stands at a defining moment in its public health journey, transforming from a high-burden nation to a global exemplar in malaria control. This progress has been made possible through science-led strategies, resilient health systems, and the power of people’s participation. As the nation advances towards eliminating indigenous malaria by 2027 and achieving full eradication by 2030, the call to action is clear: we must reinvest in innovation, reimagine community partnerships, and reignite collective resolve. Under the banner of “Malaria Ends With Us” every effort counts—because a malaria-free India is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility.

References

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Santosh Kumar / Ritu Kataria / Vatsla Srivastava

(Release ID: 2124334) Visitor Counter : 60

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said that the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel (Working Group) led by the EEB has given agreement-in-principle to eight more applications of trial projects on hydrogen fuel technology at its meeting today (April 25).  
 
The relevant projects involve:

(a) an application jointly submitted by International New Energy Industry Alliance Limited, Wing Tat Cargo & Trading (HK) Limited, H2 Powertrains Limited and Ontime International Logistics (HK) Co Limited, to try out 10 hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) goods vehicles for cross-boundary transport; 
To date, the Working Group has given agreement-in-principle in stages to a total of 26 applications of hydrogen energy trial projects. Among them, the three HFC street washing vehicles from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have passed the examination with the Certificate of Roadworthiness issued, and Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited has completed all commissioning and testing for the public hydrogen filling station at Au Tau, Yuen Long. The operational trials are expected to be launched in the first half of this year.
 
The Working Group will continue to make reference to the operational data and experience collected from all local trials, in order to provide advice for the continuous enhancement of the safety and technical guidelines on the local application of hydrogen energy.
 
The spokesman said, “The Government announced the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong (the Strategy) in June last year, establishing an action timeline across five key areas: regulatory framework, standards formulation, supporting infrastructure, regional co-operation, and capacity building. At the meeting, the EEB and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) briefed the Working Group on the latest implementation progress of the Strategy, including introducing the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the Legislative Council to incorporate safety regulations for hydrogen fuel, taking forward the consultancy study on establishing a green and low-carbon hydrogen certification standard, setting up safety training courses for hydrogen technology professionals, stepping up publicity and education work and promote local, regional, and international collaboration on hydrogen energy development, including organising science popularisation activities and seminars (such as the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2025 held this year). The Working Group will continue to regularly review the progress of the Strategy and provide recommendations to facilitate the implementation of its various measures.”
 
The spokesman supplemented, “To promote the green transformation of transport, the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced the earmarking of funding under the New Energy Transport Fund to launch a new Subsidy Scheme for Trials of HFC Heavy Vehicles. The EEB has announced the acceptance of applications in December last year.”
 
The spokesman further supplemented, “The Government is also committed to promoting hydrogen development through regional collaboration. The working plan of the Pearl River Delta Air Quality Management and Monitoring Special Panel under the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection and Combating Climate Change covers demonstration projects of cross-boundary delivery vehicles transiting into HFC vehicles. Moreover, the liaisons between the EMSD and the State Administration for Market Regulation as well as the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China on the technical level, and the EEB’s exchanges with the Mainland authorities regarding exchanges involving hydrogen development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, have all been making good progress.”
 
The Working Group is formed by the EEB, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the EMSD, the Fire Services Department, the Transport Department, the Marine Department, the Planning Department, the Lands Department, the Buildings Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Labour Department.   

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Government of India

Vice President’s Secretariat

Governor Ravi Is Vindicating His Oath, Acting In Line With His Constitutional Ordainment: Vice-President At The Conference Of Vice Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu

Posted On: 25 APR 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government published the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Gazette today to make amendments to the existing legislation for the implementation of a new phase of tobacco control measures.

The Health Bureau outlined an overall tobacco control strategy in June last year, with a view to reducing the social hazards posed by smoking products and safeguarding public health. Among the 10 short-term tobacco control measures announced, eight of them require law amendments:

(1) implementation of a duty stamp system for cigarettes

(2) increased penalties for duty-not-paid tobacco

(3) prohibition of the possession of alternative smoking products

(4) implementation of a plain packaging requirement

(5) prohibition of smoking while queuing

(6) extension of statutory no-smoking areas

(7) prohibition of the provision of smoking products to people aged below 18

(8) banning flavoured conventional smoking products.

Meanwhile, the other two short-term measures, namely “continuously reviewing the effectiveness of increasing tobacco duty and the pace of future adjustments” and “strengthening smoking cessation services as well as publicity and education”, do not involve legislative amendments.

The Health Bureau stressed that the Government needs to put in place more proactive measures to curb tobacco use and minimise its harmful effects on society in order to further alleviate the threat posed by tobacco to public health. Having taken in account factors such as effectiveness, practicability and public receptiveness, the bureau put forward these measures last year and further refined the details of the proposed legislative amendments after considering stakeholders’ views.

The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on April 30.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Environment & Ecology Bureau (EEB) said the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel, led by the bureau, has given agreement-in-principle to eight more applications of trial projects on hydrogen fuel technology at its meeting today.

The first project entails an application jointly submitted by International New Energy Industry Alliance, Wing Tat Cargo & Trading (HK), H2 Powertrains and Ontime International Logistics (HK) Co, involving 10 hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) goods vehicles for cross-boundary transport.

The second one is an application submitted by Wilson Logistics to try out two HFC goods vehicles for cross-boundary transport.

The third project concerns an application submitted by Kam Wai Tourist Bus (HK) Company to try out two HFC coaches for local passenger services.

The fourth one pertains to an application submitted by China Travel Tours Transportation Services HK, Allenbus Automotive Technology Co and REFIRE Hong Kong to test out two HFC coaches for cross-boundary passenger services.

The fifth application was submitted by Affluent Coach Services Company to test out two HFC coaches for local passenger services.

The sixth one concerns an application jointly submitted by the Hong Kong & China Gas Company (HKCGC) and CIMC Enric Hong Kong, involving the provision of electricity with hydrogen power generation equipment for charging electric vehicles at a North Point commercial building.

The seventh is an application jointly submitted by the HKCGC and the Housing Society on extracting hydrogen from the existing towngas network at a Shau Kei Wan construction site to generate electricity for charging electric vehicles and providing electricity for the site office.

The final application was jointly submitted by the HKCGC and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation to extract hydrogen from the existing towngas network at the Science Park to generate electricity for charging electric vehicles.

The bureau pointed out that to date, the working group has given agreement-in-principle in stages to a total of 26 applications of hydrogen energy trial projects.

Among them, the three HFC street washing vehicles from the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department have passed the examination with the Certificate of Roadworthiness issued.

Furthermore, Sinopec (Hong Kong) has completed all commissioning and testing for the public hydrogen filling station at Au Tau, Yuen Long, and expects to launch the operational trials in the first half of this year.

At today’s meeting, the EEB and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department briefed the working group on the latest implementation progress of the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong, which includes the Government introducing the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the Legislative Council to cover safety regulations on hydrogen fuel, and organising the International Hydrogen Development Symposium 2025.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today announced that local COVID-19 activity in Hong Kong is expected to increase further in the coming few weeks. As such, it advised that all sectors of the community should enhance personal hygiene and protection measures, including receiving the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

Those in high-risk priority groups should receive a booster dose in a timely manner to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.

CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui said: “According to the latest surveillance data as of the week ending April 19, the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance, the test positivity rate and the average consultation rate of COVID-19 cases in general outpatient clinics have continued to rise over the past four weeks.

“In particular, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased to 8.21% from 1.71% four weeks ago, a record high in the past six months.”

Meanwhile, the viral load per capita of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was around 440,000 copy/litre, a significant increase from 260,000 copy/litre four weeks ago. Sewage surveillance data also showed that the local prevalence of XDV was on the rise.

Dr Tsui pointed out: “As XDV is a JN.1-related variant, the COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Hong Kong are still effective in preventing it.”

Furthermore, in the past four weeks, the CHP recorded 40 severe cases related to COVID-19, including 10 fatal cases. The majority of the patients are aged 65 or above.

“More than 90%of them had not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past six months,” added Dr Tsui.

He urged members of the public who are yet to receive the initial dose of the COVID-19 jab to get vaccinated as soon as possible. He also noted that those at high risk, particularly the elderly and people with underlying comorbidities, should receive a booster dose for effective prevention against COVID-19 to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection.

In light of the Easter holiday, the upcoming Labour Day and Buddha’s Birthday holidays, as well as the recent increase in COVID-19 activity in the community, the Hospital Authority activated service demand surge special measures since April 14 to cope with the potential increase in service demand.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group to co-ordinate the preparatory work for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s Labour Day Golden Week.

The Immigration Department estimates that around 5.71 million passengers, including Hong Kong residents and visitors, will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points from May 1 to 5, among which 4.9 million are expected to pass through land control points.

The peak period of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points (BCPs) will be May 3 and 5, with around 590,000 and 580,000 passengers expected respectively.

Passengers are advised to plan in advance, avoid making journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at BCPs are available on the department’s website.

Furthermore, residents and passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land BCP via the Immigration mobile app.

In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, around 840,000 passengers are expected to visit Hong Kong via sea, land and air control points during the five-day Labour Day Golden Week. Compared with last year’s Labour Day Golden Week and this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week, the daily average visitor arrivals will increase by 10% and 13%.

Special arrangements have been formulated at major tourist spots to cope with the increase of people flow.

The Transport Department will enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), and issue additional cross-boundary coach quotas to enhance services.

Regarding local transport services, the department has approached public transport operators to enhance their capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors.

Among them, the MTR will enhance train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 1 to 5 for the convenience of residents and visitors.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Board has launched a dedicated webpage to provide useful information including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong.

Noting that a notable increase in visitor arrivals is estimated during the Labour Day Golden Week, Mr Chan said the Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors to ensure the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving them and offering a high-quality experience.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee attended the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Zhejiang (Ningbo) Forum & Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum today in Ningbo, Zhejiang.

The conference was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Ningbo Municipal Government.

Mr Lee led the Hong Kong SAR Government delegation to attend the opening ceremony and related activities today to promote to Mainland enterprises Hong Kong’s unique advantages and dual roles as a platform in going global and attracting foreign investment, fostering investment and co-operation.

The Zhejiang (Ningbo) forum, with the theme of “Hong Kong, joining hands with Zhejiang and meeting in Ningbo, the channel for more opportunities”, brought together a number of business leaders from various sectors including finance, supply chain, innovation and technology (I&T) and professional services to share their insights on Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities in different areas and attracted more than 600 participants.

The concurrent Ningbo-Hong Kong Economic Co-operation Forum has been held alternately in Hong Kong and Ningbo every year since 2002 to facilitate bilateral exchanges and co-operation on economic, trade and investment and has been well received by the business communities of the two places.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr Lee noted that Ningbo in Zhejiang Province is a manufacturing and port hub in the Yangtze River Delta, while Hong Kong is an international financial, trade and shipping centre.

Both Ningbo and Hong Kong are important gateways in the opening up of the country, with complementary advantages and limitless opportunities for collaboration.

Hong Kong is the largest source of external investment in Ningbo and more than 1,000 enterprises and institutions from Ningbo have been established in Hong Kong, reflecting the close economic and trade ties between the two places.

The Chief Executive said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of having the country’s strong support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, serving as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. Hong Kong acts as a two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global and for attracting overseas enterprises.

He pointed out that despite the US’ bullying and unjustified imposition of tariffs, and the emergence of unilateralism that disrupted the global landscape and geopolitics and posed risks of economic destruction and recession, the country’s immense economic strength and vast market provide certainty for global investors, and a new economic and trade order is taking shape.

Mr Lee added that Hong Kong will continue to proactively serve Mainland enterprises in going global to explore international markets, and attract overseas enterprises to tap into the Mainland market.

Members of the Hong Kong SAR Government delegation attending the Conference included Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip and Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan.

In his remarks on promoting Hong Kong’s advantages at a themed promotion activity, Mr Wong said that on finance, Hong Kong is the most trusted international financial safe haven for Mainland enterprises, offering diversified financing channels and financial services for companies to expand their businesses internationally.

Furthermore, Invest Hong Kong held a signing ceremony of a number of key Zhejiang-Hong Kong and Ningbo-Hong Kong co-operation projects, covering various sectors including finance, technology, transportation, aviation, I&T and consumer goods.

In the afternoon, the Hong Kong SAR Government, the HKTDC and relevant authorities of the Ningbo Municipal Government jointly organised three special promotion activities on finance, multinational supply chain management centre and I&T to promote investment in Hong Kong.

Mr Lee and the delegation departed for Hong Kong this afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hospital Authority announced today that the new fee schedule for public services in public hospitals will take effect on January 1 next year, following its publication in the Government Gazette today.

Since the announcement of the “Public Healthcare Fees & Charges Reform” in March, the Health Bureau and the authority have been engaging with the Legislative Council, the public and other stakeholders to explain the reforms and gather feedback.

They have found a consensus that the current public healthcare subsidisation structure cannot cope with increasing service demands driven by demographic changes and healthcare developments. In light of these realities, modifications to patterns of healthcare service utilisation, more precise allocation of medical resources, and reduced wastage and misuse of medical resources are deemed necessary.

Besides restructuring subsidisation levels for various services, the reforms seek to enhance the medical fee waiver mechanism, introduce a cap on annual spending, and strengthen protection for patients with critical illnesses in relation to drugs and medical devices.

As such, public healthcare will be reinforced as a safety net for all, and it is expected that the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism will expand the number of eligible beneficiaries from 0.3 million to 1.4 million underprivileged individuals, while the annual spending cap will benefit 70,000 patients with serious illnesses.

The Hospital Authority’s next steps are to refine implementation measures to ensure the reforms’ smooth execution. This includes streamlining application procedures for medical fee waivers and relaxing the eligibility criteria under means testing for the Samaritan Fund safety net.

The authority will launch a means test calculator on its website and a mobile application, ‘HA Go’, on April 28. By inputting information about household income and assets, patients can make a preliminary estimation of their eligibility for medical fee waivers and safety net applications under the new healthcare protection measures.

Additionally, starting from January 1 – when the new Accident & Emergency fee of $400 takes effect – the special A&E refund arrangements will be regularised simultaneously. While waiting for consultation after nurses conduct triage and preliminary medical assessments, patients who choose to seek treatment at other healthcare institutions may apply for a $350 refund.