Malaria and dengue are two parasitic diseases which afflict thousands of people in the developing countries. They have taken many lives. Even people like a Bollywood producer could die of dengue in a city like Delhi.

Malaria and dengue could be targeted for eradication. Drug resistance is one of the common problems which afflicts many in India which includes malaria. The reasons are many: availability of drugs over the counter in a private pharamcy; non-compliance from the patients not taking the whole course of treatment. There is another paradox - in some primary health centers the drugs are not freely available. In such a situation statistics may not tell the real story. It needs concerted efforts from all public health personnel even if you have a project in hand. Implementation of the project, co-operation from the patient, dedicated staff, constant supply of drugs and a proper diagnostic center - all need to work in unison to conquer and possibly eradicate malaria.

Competing interests: None declared