West Tripura (Tripura) [India], Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte said that the state health department has launched a massive campaign to eliminate malaria by 2027. As part of the campaign, the state government has launched multi-pronged initiatives that include testing, treatment and distribution of preventive medicines and protective gear, he told reporters on the sidelines of a visit to village Subalsingh under West Tripura district on Saturday. While doing so, the top official said that the state government has identified 126 villages comprising 700 localities. The area is considered endemic for malaria "There are about 126 villages here, which include 700 localities. The total population living here is about 3.5 lakh. This target population will definitely be tested. Also, 9.5 lakh people will be tested this season. Treated mosquito nets will be distributed in rubber plants where mosquitoes carry the disease. The Jhumia population, which earns its livelihood through jhum cultivation, also becomes victims of the disease. We are taking special care of people belonging to these two categories through distribution of preventive medicines,” he said, adding that ASHA and Anganwadi workers have been given special training for home testing. “ASHA workers have been trained to conduct door-to-door testing,” Gitte said. According to health officials, malaria cases have been gradually declining over the past few years, with the disease caused by the deadly disease almost doubling last year. Deaths were in single digits.