The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that with the death of an 11-year-old boy on 28^th July 2026, 5 persons have died in a span of 13 days due to Malaria in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. The boy was initially tested negative for Malaria at a private lab, but when his condition deteriorated, he was rushed to a hospital in Albelapara. However, by the time his blood reports came showing him positive for Malaria, he had already passed away.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 31^st July 2026, after this incident, the State Health Department has initiated a door-to-door Malaria screening and awareness campaign in the affected areas of the district.

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NSK

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