HANOI, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The number of malaria cases in Vietnam continued to decline in 2024 with 353 cases, a 21 percent decrease compared to the previous year, Vietnam News cited the Ministry of Health as saying on Friday.
One third of these cases were imported, and no deaths or outbreaks were reported, highlighting the country's progress in eliminating the disease, said the report.
Hoang Dinh Canh, director of the National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, said the country had made notable progress in eliminating malaria, with 48 provinces and cities officially recognized as malaria-free.
Vietnam's national strategy for malaria prevention, control and elimination has set out a roadmap for malaria elimination by 2030.
Canh said to achieve that goal, Vietnam must ensure zero locally transmitted cases by 2027. ■
