Cambodia Leads Mekong Region in Malaria Elimination Drive
Cambodia Leads Mekong Region in Malaria Elimination Drive
PHNOM PENH, April 23, 2026 — Cambodia said it has become the first country in the Greater Mekong Subregion to achieve the target set under its national malaria elimination strategy, marking a major public health milestone in a region long affected by the mosquito-borne disease.
The announcement was made ahead of Cambodia’s National Malaria Day on April 25, which this year carries the theme: “Commit to End Malaria: Now We Can Do It and We Must Do It.”
The government said the achievement reflected years of sustained efforts to reduce infections, expand treatment access and strengthen prevention measures across rural and high-risk communities.
Officials also described the progress as an important contribution to wider regional and global malaria elimination goals.
Cambodia said it would now shift focus toward preventing any re-emergence of malaria between 2026 and 2035, while strengthening surveillance systems and rapidly containing imported cases from neighboring countries where transmission still exists.
The Greater Mekong region — comprising Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and parts of southern China — has historically been a major battleground in the fight against malaria, including drug-resistant strains of the parasite.
Cambodia was once among the countries hardest hit, particularly in forested border areas, but has sharply reduced cases through insecticide-treated nets, early diagnosis, mobile health outreach and targeted treatment campaigns.
The government urged citizens to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise after travel to affected areas.
Health authorities said continued cooperation with domestic and international partners would remain essential to ensuring malaria does not return.
The milestone is expected to strengthen Cambodia’s reputation as a regional public health success story and provide a model for neighboring countries still working toward elimination goals.
