Malaria

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is currently endemic in 10 countries in the Western Pacific Region, with the pattern and determinants varying significantly. The Regional Action Plan for Malaria Control and Elimination in the Western Pacific (2010–2015), endorsed by the Regional Committee in 2009, is the Region's malaria roadmap for implementing malaria interventions.

The move towards malaria elimination in most endemic countries is on course. However, despite this progress, there are still daunting challenges, with the burden of malaria still very high in a a number of countries. A relative increase in vivax malaria has been identified in most endemic countries, and new foci of artemisinin resistant falciparum malaria are being detected. A regional response to this is being developed in collaboration with Member States and partners.