Asia Moves Closer to Ending Malaria

Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are moving closer to eliminating malaria, bringing a malaria-free future within reach for millions of people across much of Asia as years of regional cooperation continue to reduce infections.

“The progress made in the Greater Mekong Subregion is significant — but it remains fragile,” said Dr Sarthak Das, Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA). “With elimination now in sight, this is the moment to sustain political commitment, strengthen domestic financing and invest in the systems needed not only to stop transmission, but to prevent malaria from returning.”

Malaria cases across the Greater Mekong Subregion have fallen by 67% since 2010, supported by stronger surveillance, improved access to diagnosis and treatment, and close cooperation between neighbouring countries. Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam now report only a few hundred cases each year and are working towards the goal of eliminating malaria by 2030. Leaders also pledged to strengthen funding, regional collaboration and climate resilience to protect these hard-won gains and ensure malaria does not return.