Ranchi: Malaria continues to be a major public health concern in Jharkhand, with 16,728 cases reported across the state between January and June this year, a state Health Department statement said on Thursday. According to the statement, nearly 76 per cent of these cases were recorded in East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum districts, making them the worst-affected regions of the state. At the same time, 77 dengue cases were reported in June alone, with Ranchi accounting for the highest number at 27. Officials informed in the meeting that East Singhbhum reported 6,527 malaria cases and West Singhbhum 6,172 cases by June 2026. The Additional Chief Secretary stressed that combating vector-borne diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, dengue, chikungunya, kala-azar and Japanese encephalitis cannot be the sole responsibility of the Health Department.