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Key Points

Prime Minister Hun Manet has announced Cambodia's remarkable progress in combating malaria, with cases dropping by 75% in 2024. The country has achieved zero malaria deaths since 2018 and is on track to become malaria-free by the end of 2025. Experts credit highly effective diagnostic tests and treatments for this success. Despite the progress, health officials continue to advise precautions for high-risk populations in malaria-prone regions.

Key Points: Hun Manet Declares Cambodia Near Malaria-Free Goal in 2025

  • Cambodia reports only 355 malaria cases in 2024
  • Zero malaria deaths since 2018
  • Diagnostic tests 100% effective
  • High-risk groups still need protection
2 min read

Cambodia on verge of achieving malaria-free goal: PM Hun

Cambodia achieves dramatic malaria reduction with zero deaths since 2018, targeting complete elimination by end of 2025

"Cambodia is on the verge of achieving a malaria-free goal by the end of 2025 - Prime Minister Hun Manet"

Phnom Penh, April 25

Cambodia is making great progress towards achieving its malaria-free target by the end of 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet said.

In a message to mark the National Malaria Day on Friday, he said the Southeast Asian country reported only 355 malaria cases in 2024, a significant drop of 75 per cent compared to 2023.

The prime minister added that the kingdom had reported zero deaths from the disease since 2018 and no local Plasmodium Falciparum cases since 2024.

"Cambodia is on the verge of achieving a malaria-free goal by the end of 2025," Hun Manet said, urging all stakeholders to continue to support the country to achieve the target.

Huy Rekol, director of the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, said malaria diagnostic tests and treatments have been highly effective in Cambodia, with Artesunate/Mefloquine, or ASMQ, being 100 per cent safe and efficacious against malaria, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This progress has put Cambodia in the category of successful countries in eliminating malaria," he told Xinhua.

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that is typically found in forest and mountainous provinces, especially during rainy seasons.

To avoid being bitten by malaria-carrying mosquitoes, Rekol advises people living in malaria-risk areas to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets at all times.

Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women and girls, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection.

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medicines. Treatments can stop mild cases from getting worse.

Malaria mostly spreads to people through the bites of some infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria.

The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficulty to recognise as malaria.

Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sophie K.
This is such amazing progress! 🎉 I remember when malaria was a much bigger problem in Cambodia. The government's efforts combined with community participation are really paying off. Hope they hit that 2025 target!
R
Rithy P.
As someone who grew up in a rural area, I've seen firsthand how malaria affected our community. The drop from 355 cases to potentially zero is incredible. The mosquito net distribution programs have been life-changing for many families.
T
Thomas L.
While the progress is impressive, I hope they're also focusing on sustainable prevention methods. Mosquito nets are great, but climate change might bring new challenges with shifting mosquito populations. The work shouldn't stop at 2025.
M
Maya S.
Zero deaths since 2018 is an incredible achievement! 👏 This shows what's possible with proper healthcare infrastructure and public awareness campaigns. Other countries dealing with malaria should look at Cambodia's approach.
D
David C.
The 75% drop in cases in just one year is remarkable. I wonder what specific interventions made the biggest difference? Was it better testing, treatment availability, or prevention methods? Would love to see more details about their strategy.
C
Chantrea N.
My aunt works in healthcare in Ratanakiri province and says the mobile clinics have been game-changers for reaching remote communities. Early detection and treatment really do save lives. So proud of Cambodia's progress! 🇰🇭

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