The key findings of the study are mentioned below:

• Formalization Drive: The MSME sector, especially micro and small enterprises, has seen significant formalization through Udyam Registration and Udyam Assist Portal, with over 6.2 crore registrations by March 2025 (up from 2.5 crore in March 2024).  
• Access to Credit: The survey respondents consider timely and adequate credit access as one of their key challenges despite the comprehensive policy initiatives in that regard. While borrowings from informal sources are minimal for small and medium enterprises at 3% and 2% respectively, it is still relatively significant at 12% for micro enterprises.
• Digital Lending Opportunity: With 18% of MSMEs using digital lending platforms and 90% accepting digital payments, the sector shows promising digital adoption. This trend, supported by platforms like UPI, can enhance credit access going forward.
• Credit Gap: Increased credit supply to MSMEs is in evidence. The study broadly estimates that the sector still has an addressable credit gap of about 24% or ₹30 lakh crore. The gap is higher in the services sector at 27%; it is estimated to be also higher at 35% for women-owned MSMEs, indicating a need for targeted policy actions.
• Women Entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurship has become a significant aspect in the MSME sector with 26.2% in proprietary enterprises being owned by women as per ASUSE 2023-24, signalling growing inclusivity. 76% of the women led MSME respondents have access to credit, but they continue to face higher challenges vis-à-vis their male counterparts with 41% highlighting credit access and high competition as the largest obstacle to their growth.  
• Market Access Challenges: According to the survey, a majority of the MSMEs have been slow to adopt modern channels to reach customers. Around 70% of the survey respondents continue to use traditional modes of marketing, which hinders their scalability and ability to remain competitive. Effective utilization of e-commerce and digital marketing can provide MSMEs with improved access to new markets and customers.
• Export Potential: MSMEs increased their merchandise export share from 43.6% (FY23) to 45.7% (FY24). Exporting MSMEs show better tech adoption than non-exporters, but cite supply chain issues, credit access, and competition as major hurdles, though they.
• Skilled Labour Shortage: Around a fourth of the surveyed MSMEs cite the lack of skilled manpower as one of their major challenges. Skilled labour shortages are particularly high in defence equipment, readymade garments, the hotel sector, tiles, and sanitarywar,e as reflected in the survey.
• Infrastructure & Technology Gaps: Inadequate infrastructure and technology adoption affect productivity and competitiveness; more prominent in sectors like auto components, iron and steel and transport and logistics. A significant proportion of the respondents cited technology adoption as a major obstacle to their growth.
• Sustainability Efforts: Over one-third of MSMEs have adopted sustainable practices; 31% use energy-efficient systems, and 21% utilize renewable energy. However, 33% cite limited awareness as a key barrier to further adoption.

The report is available at https://www.sidbi.in/uploads/Understanding_Indian_MSME_sector_Progress_and_Challenges_13_05_25_Final.pdf

The post SIDBI’s New Report on Indian MSMEs appeared first on NRI News.

Malaria, a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, continues to be a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate it, malaria persists in certain countries, posing a threat to millions of lives. Understanding the reasons behind its persistence, the measures taken by countries that have successfully eradicated it, the symptoms of the disease, the risk factors, and its relationship with other health issues like COVID-19 are crucial for advancing global health agendas.

Why Malaria Persists

The persistence of malaria in some countries can be attributed to several factors:

Complexity of the Malaria Parasite: The Plasmodium parasite exists in various species and strains, some of which are more resistant to treatment and eradication efforts than others.

Drug Resistance: Over time, the malaria parasite has developed resistance to several antimalarial drugs, diminishing the effectiveness of treatment in certain regions.

Vector Control Challenges: Ensuring effective vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying is difficult in some regions due to limited resources, infrastructure, and climate conditions.

Climate and Environment: Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and rainfall play a significant role in the prevalence of malaria. Climate change can impact the distribution and transmission of the disease, making eradication efforts more challenging.

Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of education, and poor sanitation contribute to the persistence of malaria by hindering effective control and prevention programs.

Political Instability: Political instability, conflicts, and lack of governance can disrupt healthcare systems, hinder prevention efforts, and create favorable conditions for the spread of the disease.

Challenges in Surveillance and Diagnosis: Inadequate surveillance systems and diagnostic capabilities lead to underreporting of malaria cases, allowing the disease to persist and spread unchecked.

Global Health Priorities: Competing health priorities and limited resources may divert attention and funding away from malaria eradication efforts, slowing progress in eliminating the disease.

Addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment, collaboration among stakeholders, research, innovation, and investment in health systems.

Success Stories in Malaria Eradication

Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made, with 44 countries and territories certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). These countries have implemented comprehensive measures including:

Absence of Local Transmission: Demonstrating no indigenous transmission of malaria within their borders for several consecutive years.

Robust Surveillance and Response: Implementing effective surveillance systems to detect potential malaria cases promptly and respond rapidly to prevent re-establishment of transmission.

Sustainable Control Measures: Maintaining vector control programs, access to high-quality diagnostics and treatment, and comprehensive prevention strategies.

Verification and Certification Process: Undergoing rigorous evaluation by an independent expert panel convened by the WHO to determine eligibility for malaria-free certification.

Countries employ a range of strategies including vector control, case management, surveillance and response, preventive chemotherapy, community engagement, and cross-sectoral collaboration to combat malaria and achieve malaria-free status.

Symptoms and Prevention

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, jaundice, seizures, and coma. Preventive measures include using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, wearing protective clothing, taking anti-malarial medications, removing standing water, indoor residual spraying, seeking medical advice promptly, and staying informed about malaria risks.

Risk Factors and Relapse

Behavioral aspects and individual characteristics influence the risk of contracting malaria. Factors such as travel to endemic areas, outdoor activities, failure to use protective measures, immune status, genetic factors, previous exposure, climate change, and drug resistance contribute to malaria risk. After recovery, individuals may experience relapse, especially with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections. Completing full treatment courses, taking radical cure medications, regular follow-ups, lifestyle modifications, and consulting healthcare providers is essential to prevent relapse.

Malaria and COVID-19

While there is no direct causal relationship between malaria and COVID-19, individuals with compromised immunity may be more susceptible to infections. Co-infection with malaria and COVID-19 could lead to more severe illness and complications. Overlapping symptoms, strain on healthcare systems, public health strategies, research, and surveillance are crucial for addressing the burden of both diseases.

To sum it up, the fight against malaria requires a multi-faceted approach involving political commitment, international collaboration, innovation, and investment in health systems. By addressing the challenges, learning from success stories, understanding symptoms, risk factors, and relationships with other health issues like COVID-19, we can work towards achieving the ultimate goal of malaria eradication globally.

The post Challenges And Progress In Malaria Eradication: A Global Perspective appeared first on NRI News.