India Meteorological Department and Government of Odisha launches Malaria Planning and Prediction Toolkit

The Malaria Prediction and Planning Toolkit utilises climate and weather data in identifying malaria hotspots and predicting outbreaks

Malaria No More India has unveiled the operations the Malaria Prediction and Planning System under the ‘Forecasting Healthy Futures’ (FHF) initiative-a consortium convened in 2020 by Malaria No More and Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi’s ‘Reaching the Last Mile’ initiative. This sophisticated system, powered by the Malaria Prediction and Planning Toolkit (MPPT), is a 360° solution basket and has been developed under FHF in partnership with the Government of Odisha. MPPT uses an advanced data-driven, AI-powered, story-telling system to strengthen early warning systems and health decision making.

The Malaria Prediction and Planning Toolkit utilises climate and weather data in identifying malaria hotspots and predicting outbreaks, thus allowing health leaders to optimally time and target behavioral interventions, pre-position supplies, and deploy frontline health workers to avoid extreme weather, among other possibilities. The Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS) will continue to refine the function and reach of the existing MPPT, adding new sources of data and validating its application. IMACS will also include a deployable corps of technical and policy expertise, to assist cost-effectively scaling the FHF approach beyond sentinel sites.

Intimated about the launch of the toolkit, Naba Kisore Das, Health Minister, Government of Odisha expressed his approval and stated, “We are excited to integrate the Malaria Prediction and Planning Toolkit in Odisha to accelerate Odisha’s progress towards Malaria elimination. This toolkit presents a compelling opportunity of intersecting disruptive innovations with the Malaria elimination effort and allows improved decision-making and health access at the last mile. The fight against Malaria stands to benefit greatly with initiatives such as these, especially in the endgame stage of eliminating Malaria by 2030.”

Emphasising the collaboration, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department, Government of India said “Weather information and forecast of various range help in better planning, prevention, and control of many climate-sensitive diseases, including malaria. There is a need for a multi-model consensus for weather-based early warnings while working towards malaria elimination. At the same time, it is critical to formulate an institutional mechanism to take these advanced solutions to the last mile. Synergizing the efforts of all stakeholders, we will look at communicating public weather data that will benefit all. We are excited to play an integral role in advancing the Malaria Prediction and Planning Toolkit with the provisions of weather-based early warning. I invite a collaborative effort of the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, National Centre for Diseases Control, Indian Council of Medical Research bodies, Government of Odisha and Malaria No More to work towards this novel cause of malaria elimination.”

Commenting on the launch of the toolkit, Dr Kaushik Sarkar, Director, Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions (IMACS) And Interim Director, Malaria No More India said, “Malaria No More strives to achieve one of humanity’s greatest achievements – eliminating Malaria within our lifetimes. This arduous effort requires continuous collaboration and innovative approaches. We hope that the Malaria Prediction and Planning Toolkit is a step in this direction. The Institute for Malaria and Climate Solutions, with its robust community of practice and scientific advisory board, and the Forecasting Healthy Futures initiative endeavors to pioneer global efforts to improve the health security agenda.”