A seven‑year‑old Koya tribal girl, Madivi Jamuna, died hours after receiving a chloroquine tablet as part of a malaria prevention drive in Gollaguppa village, Yetapaka mandal, Polavaram district. The incident was reported on Tuesday, prompting concern among local authorities.
The Integrated Tribal Development Agency (Chintoor) Project Officer, Subham Nokwal, confirmed the death and said officials are closely monitoring the situation. According to a release from the Public Relations Department, health workers from Lakshmipuram Primary Health Centre administered chloroquine tablets to 71 residents after five malaria cases were reported in the village.
Following the administration, 28 villagers, primarily children, were transferred to Bhadrachalam Government Hospital, where their conditions were described as no longer dangerous. An additional 24 individuals were admitted to Lakshmipuram PHC for observation and care.
Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar reiterated that the health status of those receiving treatment remains stable and that authorities continue to oversee the care of all patients involved in the anti‑malaria effort.
