April 2011

Long-term plan drafted to rid Vietnam of malaria

The Vietnam Ministry of Health has drafted a 10-year national strategy to eliminate malaria in 40 provinces and cities by 2020 with the goal of eliminating malaria nationwide by 2030. The spatially-progressive strategy will include the early diagnosis and effective treatment of malaria cases, preventative measures such as indoor residual spraying and bed nets for those living in high-risk areas, as well as a national public awareness campaign on malaria prevention. Vietnam has recently achieved great progress in reducing its malaria burden, however challenges to eliminating malaria remain due to population migration in areas along the borders with highly-endemic countries such as Cambodia and Laos.