Ministry for Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with World Health Organisation, WHO today observed the World Malaria Day in New Delhi. The Ministry has called for closing the gap in malaria prevention. WHO estimates that India account for three-quarter of all malaria cases in South East Asia. As per World Malaria Report 2012, globally India is on 18th position in the total reported malaria cases and on 21st position in reported malaria deaths. <br/><br/>High malaria burden states in lndia includes 7 north eastern states and 9 other states – Odisha, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnatka and West Bengal. In areas with high malaria concentration, pregnant women and children are most at risk of contracting the disease. Around Ninety-one countries are working to reduce their malaria burden through the deployment and use of WHO-recommended preventive, diagnostic and treatment tools. <br/><br/>Speaking on this occasion Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health Navdeep Rinwa said, more than 10 lakhs cases are being reported in the country every year. He said, through National vector borne disease control programme Government has set a target to eliminate malaria from the country by 2030.