![Sample our Earth Sciences journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5930/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Earth-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Malaria is a major health problem in India especially in the north-east region. Various methods to combat malaria have been adopted in this region but this problem is yet not under control as all the states report perennial morbidity and mortality due to malaria. The control programmes jeopardized due to improper implementation, inadequate surveillance and lack of geo-referenced information to pinpoint the trouble spots for timely preventive actions. In this investigation an information management system has been constructed based on geographical information system (GIS) for Udalguri district using sub-centre wise malaria data for quick retrieval of information and generation of maps which highlight malaria hot spots. Out of a total of 144 sub-centres, GIS identified 11 sub-centres as malaria hot spots based on annual parasitic incidence >5 and Plasmodium falciparum >30% consistently for 3 years (2006–2008). The district health authorities were advised to focus malaria control in these hot pockets on a priority basis. GIS mapping enables easy update of information which permits policymakers to formulate focused and cost-effective malaria control strategy for endemic areas.
Acknowledgement
The authors are thankful to Joint Directorate of Health, Udalguri district, for providing data.