World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, is designated to recognize global efforts to effectively control malaria. This event is aimed at providing countries in affected regions the opportunity to learn from one another and support each other in the fight against this disease. Additionally, it serves as a chance for new donors to connect with global partners in the fight against malaria and, together with research institutes, to conduct scientific research beneficial to the community.1
In this article, let's the Vietnam Public Health Association introduce a little about this special anniversary as well as the important achievements that Vietnam has made in malaria prevention!
1. HISTORY OF WORLD MALARIA DAY2
Since 2001, Africa Malaria Day was first organized by African countries on April 25 to draw global attention to the impact of malaria on the continent and mobilize funding for control efforts within Africa, raising awareness about malaria prevention and treatment.
Six years later, in May 2007, at its 60th session, the World Health Assembly adopted the idea of renaming Africa Malaria Day to World Malaria Day to recognize the global impact of this disease.
Since 2008, World Malaria Day has been officially celebrated worldwide, with annual themes highlighting different aspects of the fight against malaria each year.
2. THEME OF WORLD MALARIA DAY 20253
For this year’s commemoration, WHO has chosen the theme for World Malaria Day 2025 as “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” This campaign aims to energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination.
The global community recommitted to malaria control in the late 1990s, resulting in an estimated 2.2 billion cases prevented and 12.7 million deaths averted over more than two decades.
3. VIETNAM'S ACHIEVEMENTS IN MALARIA PREVENTION AND CONTROL TO DATE
To reduce malaria morbidity and mortality, Vietnam has actively implemented a wide range of strategies over a long period of time.4
Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has reduced the number of cases from over one million cases per year and 4,646 malaria deaths in 19915 to a few hundred cases, thanks to decisive leadership and effective prevention programs. Currently, Vietnam is focusing on a malaria elimination strategy, with the goal of completely eliminating malaria by 2030.6
Among its efforts, the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative (2024–2026) stands out. The overall goal of this project is to reduce malaria incidence and mortality rates to achieve nationwide elimination by 2030, contributing to Vietnam’s Sustainable Development Goals. With specific targets for 2026 including
- Maintain the malaria parasite incidence rate of ≤ 0.015 per 1,000 population
- Keep the annual malaria mortality rate at ≤ 0.002 per 100,000 population.
- Prevent malaria epidemics from occurring.
In 2024, the country recorded only 353 malaria cases and no deaths. This success is attributed to excellent coordination among localities, regular communication from local to central levels, weekly updates, and effective progress monitoring, ensuring the timely implementation of all activities.
Compiled by: Le Yen Nhi (email: lyn@vpha.org.vn)
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REFERENCES
1. Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control. (2024). Responding to World Malaria Day April 25: Say no to malaria. Accessed April 15, 2025. https://vncdc.gov.vn/huong-ung-ngay-the-gioi-phong-chong-sot-ret-254-hay-noi-khong-voi-benh-sot-ret-nd14932.html
2. Asthma Bhawan. (2024). World Malaria Day 2024. Accessed April 15, 2025. https://asthmabhawan.com/world-malaria-day-2024/
3. WHO. (2025). World Malaria Day 2025. Accessed 15/4/2025. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day/2025
4. Institute of Malaria-Parasitology-Entomology, Ho Chi Minh City. (n.d.). Formation and development. Accessed 15/4/2025. https://www.impehcm.org.vn/gioi-thieu/gioi-thieu/hinh-thanh-phat-trien.html
5. Vietnam Social Security. (n.d.). Press information. Accessed 15/4/2025. https://baohiemxahoi.gov.vn/chidaodieuhanh/Pages/thong-tin-bao-chi.aspx?CateID=0&ItemID=14151
6. Government Newspaper. (2024). Concentrating all efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030. Accessed 15/4/2025. https://baochinhphu.vn/don-tong-luc-de-ve-dich-loai-tru-benh-sot-ret-vao-nam-2030-102240423085139698.htm