Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), which of the following is the CORRECT target for malaria elimination in India as per the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) 2016–2030?

• A Achieve zero indigenous malaria cases in all states by 2027, elimination nationally by 2030
• B Reduce malaria mortality to zero by 2025; achieve elimination (no indigenous transmission) in all states by 2030
• C Eliminate malaria in 26 states/UTs by 2022, nationwide by 2027, certified malaria-free by 2030 ✓
• D Reduce annual parasite incidence below 1/1000 population in all states by 2030

Explanation

The NFME 2016–2030 follows a phased approach: Phase 1 (2016–2020) — reduce malaria cases by 40% from 2013 baseline; Phase 2 (2021–2022) — eliminate malaria (zero indigenous cases) from all low-transmission states/UTs (category 0–1); Phase 3 (2023–2027) — eliminate malaria from all states; Phase 4 (2027–2030) — prevent re-introduction and achieve WHO malaria-free certification by 2030. The milestone for 26 low-burden states/UTs was targeted for 2022. Option D describes a mid-programme reduction target, not the elimination definition. Option B conflates mortality and transmission elimination timelines.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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