The Union Health Ministry has convened a meeting with the health directors of all the northeastern states at Guwahati on April 9 to discuss the outbreak of malaria in East Garo Hills district even before the onset of monsoon. At least 31 people have died of the disease in the past two weeks. A health officer confirmed that the meeting has been called to assess the situation in Garo Hills. The Union Health Ministry has identified malaria as endemic to the northeastern states. At least 16 per cent of malaria-related deaths in the country have been recorded from the region. Union Health Ministry officials said on Wednesday that the ministry had already covered malaria-prone areas in Garo Hills under Geographical Information System (GIS), mapping to provide better transportation and communication facilities to the region. In 2005, New Delhi launched an Intensified Malaria Control Project (IMCP) in targeted states, including the seven northeastern states that recorded highest incidences of Plasmodium Falciparum infection. After 31 people died of malaria in Garo Hills, the health department rushed rapid response teams to the affected areas. The deaths were reported mainly from Wakchikong, Silchang, Gandual, Chambildram, Nainggre and Mangsang villages in East Garo Hills. Director of Health Service, Meghalaya, K H Lakiang, told reporters that out of the 31 deaths, eight were confirmed cases of Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria; other deaths were suspected to be due to cerebral malaria. The state health department has rushed medical aid to the region and are carrying out intensified surveillance and awareness programmes and spraying of DDT in the affected areas to contain the disease. Meghalaya has already procured 1.5 lakh insecticide-treated bed nets for distribution in the malaria-prone areas.