JAMSHEDPUR ।
Tata Steel Foundation, through its MANSI program, is working closely with the Health Department to support the ongoing malaria outbreak response across Potka, Dumaria, Ghatshila, Musabani, Golmuri-cum-Jugsalai and Baharagora blocks of East Singhbhum district.
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As part of the coordinated response, MANSI Block Coordinators are actively contributing to the planning of malaria screening camps through Block Level Task Force (BLTF) meetings chaired by the Block Development Officers (BDOs), as well as block-level Health Department review meetings led by the Medical Officer In-charge (MOIC). At the district level, the Foundation remains in continuous coordination with the Civil Surgeon (CS) and the District Vector Borne Disease (VBD) Officer to strengthen planning and implementation.
The MANSI team is undertaking intensive door-to-door and hamlet-level community mobilisation to encourage residents to participate in malaria screening camps. The team is coordinating closely with the Health Department to ensure screening services reach every hamlet, with special emphasis on hard-to-reach villages that require extensive community mobilisation.
To date, the Foundation has supported 72 Sahiyas across 64 malaria screening camps, during which 4,665 individuals have been screened and 239 malaria-positive cases identified. All positive cases have subsequently been initiated on treatment by the Health Department.
Continuous counselling and interpersonal communication are also being undertaken to ensure that all family members, particularly children under five years of age, are brought to the screening camps. In addition, village-level meetings are being organised to encourage active participation of community members, especially male household members, in supporting malaria camps. These efforts have significantly improved community cooperation and facilitated the smooth implementation of camp activities.
During the camps, the MANSI team regularly monitors the availability of malaria Rapid Diagnostic Kits (RDKs) and promptly coordinates with the Health Department to replenish stocks, ensuring uninterrupted screening activities.
To support malaria prevention efforts, the Tata Steel Foundation Tribal Identity team has distributed 100 mosquito nets in affected areas. Additionally, the Foundation’s Public Health team is procuring another 500 mosquito nets, with further procurement planned based on evolving field requirements.
Further strengthening the response, the Baharagora Block Health Department conducted a half-day orientation on malaria for the MANSI Block team on 8 July 2026, along with other block-level health personnel. The MANSI team continues to extend all required support to block-level malaria control activities.
Through its continued partnership with the Health Department and community stakeholders, Tata Steel Foundation remains committed to supporting timely malaria detection, treatment, prevention and community awareness to help contain the outbreak and safeguard vulnerable communities.
