Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam has eliminated malaria in 46 provinces and centrally-run cities as of the end of last year, and is determined to eradicate the disease by 2030, according to official data.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) commemorates World Malaria Day on April 25 every year to highlight the community's commitment to as well as global solidarity towards the shared goal of a malaria-free world. WHO aims to reduce the number of malaria cases by at least 90% by 2030.

In response, this year, Vietnam adopted the theme of making concerted efforts towards malaria elimination, in a bid to enhance access to healthcare services for malaria prevention and control.

According to Dr. Hoang Dinh Canh, Director of the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology under the Ministry of Health, Vietnam recorded 448 malaria cases last year, a decrease of 97.3% compared to 2011. In the same period, the numbers of severe malaria cases and deaths from the disease went down by 89.19% and 85.71%, respectively.

Although Vietnam has brought malaria cases down to below 500 cases per year, its prevention and control work still face many challenges.

In addition to the nation’s tropical climate, over 6 million Vietnamese now live in malaria-endemic areas and there is evidence of mosquito resistance to insecticides.

To achieve the 2030 goal, Canh noted it is necessary to develop a malaria elimination strategy to mobilise the participation of the entire society and use local budgets to replace aid sources.

He recommended strengthening related communications work, training personnel involved, maintaining surveillance and reporting systems, and utilising information technology, among other measures./.