India is the most populated country in the world having a large number of unplanned urban centers influenced by different environmental factors.
Although, cases of malaria have been significantly reduced its re-emerging again and again transmitted by mosquitoes poses a great threat to the country.
According to some experts, drone technology can be used to control malaria and help in disease control. On World Malaria Day, experts inform that these hi-tech drones can reduce mosquito breeding to a significant level. They consider it a cost-effective solution to malaria.
"AI-backed disease prediction systems empower local authorities with timely insights, sparing workers from hazardous chemicals and fostering a safer environment. Through real-time mosquito mapping, strategic alerts, deploying customized drones and GPS-tagged fogging systems to target breeding grounds precisely."Prem Kumar Vislawath, Entrepreneur (Marut Drones)
"Funding to fight malaria alone has reached US$3 billion globally in 2023. The future holds many new avenues for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as many of the operations are going to be replaced by UAVs. Indian government prohibited the import of drones, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has now made it easier for people to legally fly small drones for non-commercial purposes."Prem Kumar Vislawath
This drone has been observed to cover a larger area of the water body in less time. This has made the task of municipal workers easier as they had to get into dirty lakes to spray insecticides and often get exposed to skin diseases.
Several municipal authorities in India have already adopted this drone technology. For example: GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) has partnered with Kumar's Marut Drones.
We have seen a minimum 60 percent reduction in mosquito breeding after each spray. We used to spend about Rs. 4-5 lakh per lake before, now we spend Rs. 25000 and with increased efficiency.Hari Chandana, Zonal Officer (GHMC)
Climate change can create a significant rise in vector activities. Hotter temperatures and wetter weather make mosquito larvae multiply rapidly. Harnessing drone sensors to produce predictive analysis and data regarding vector activity, can help give critical alerts on outbreaks which can help healthcare professionals maintain a quick response time.Dr Preetham Kumar Reddy, Pediatrician (Rainbow Children's Hospital, Secunderabad)
With India's emphasis on the digital revolution and its burgeoning startup ecosystem, the country is setting global trends in pioneering innovations in the health sector to combat malaria. AI is becoming a game changer in mosquito control."Dr Kaushik Sarkar, Director (IMACS)
Experts say that AI technology and drones are needed to accomplish the aspiration, which is to make India malaria-free by 2027 and eradicate the disease by 2030.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/ Dr. Pragati Priya/ MSM)