THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Government News
Forty-six localities succeed in terminating malaria
VGP - As of late 2023, Viet Nam had 46 localities free from malaria. The country is steady on the path to materialize the goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, said Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong.
Health worker Ly Thi Nhieu collects data from villagers undergoing malaria rapid diagnostic tests - Photo: WHO
The official made the announcement at a ceremony marking Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27) and presenting awards of a competition on the life and scientific career of late Professor Dang Van Ngu.
The professor made significant contributions not only to the healthcare system in Viet Nam but also to global healthcare.
He discovered new mosquito species such as Anopheles tonkinensis, identified the reverse cycle of the liver fluke, and isolated a type of Penicillium with high antibiotic properties.
The event was held by the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE) in Ha Noi on February 22.
Viet Nam emerged as a beacon in the regional and global fight against malaria.
The success was a dramatic turnaround from 1991 when over 1 million cases and 4,646 deaths were reported annually.
In 2022, only 455 cases and one death were recorded, with no major outbreaks.
Ms. Huong called upon NIMPE leaders and staff to build on their past achievements, uphold solidarity, and fulfill assigned tasks to combat insect-borne and parasitic diseases, ultimately striving for their elimination./.