For rapid assessment of malaria in difficult forested areas in Orissa a study on the accuracy of self-reporting of malaria showed 72 per cent accuracy along with the sensitivity and specificity values of 46 per cent and 76 per cent respectively. The study clearly indicates its utility in the ongoing national malaria eradication programme and can be effectively used for rapid assessment of the disease prevalence. The information so gathered can be used for rapid assessment by the planners and programme managers in devising the strategies for the containment of malaria in the forested areas of Orissa.