On 30 June 2021, China achieved a major milestone in the fight against malaria, becoming officially certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as malaria-free.
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Read about the Milestone!
Key Messages
Since 2000, the world has made tremendous progress against malaria, thanks to committed global partnership. In that time, 24 countries from every region worldwide reached the target of zero malaria cases, proving that elimination is possible. Together, the global malaria community has prevented 1.5 billion cases of malaria and saved 7.6 million lives. This represents millions of children who have grown up to lead happy and productive lives as a result of malaria control and prevention efforts.
China’s achievement has contributed to 12 countries being certified malaria-free by WHO since 2000.
- In 2019, China reported zero indigenous cases of malaria for the third consecutive year, driving down its malaria burden from 30 million cases per year in the 1940s.
- China is the 40th country or territory to achieve malaria-free certification, following El Salvador in 2021, Argentina and Algeria in 2019, and Paraguay and Uzbekistan in 2018. These recent certifications mean that the malaria map keeps shrinking. The number of malaria-free countries (108) outnumbering malaria endemic countries (86) is growing.
- Since 2000, 24 countries reported zero indigenous cases of malaria for 3 or more years, and 12 of these countries were certified malaria-free by WHO.
- According to the 2020 World Malaria Report, more countries than ever – 46 – have fewer than 10,000 malaria cases, moving the world closer to the goal of malaria elimination.
Since 2010, the Asia Pacific region has made tremendous progress and has a historic opportunity to end this age-old disease.
- It is essential that we continue to work together, across government agencies, sectors, and across borders, to sustain progress to the 2030 malaria elimination goals.
- Malaria cases in Asia Pacific have almost halved since 2010 and today there are a staggering 89% less deaths from malaria than 10 years ago, largely thanks to remarkable year-over-year progress in India and in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
- The Greater Mekong Subregion has reduced malaria cases by 97% and deaths by 99% since 2000. Since 2018, Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam have all reached the milestone of zero malaria-related deaths in a given year. The subregion offers a model for malaria elimination through common targets, cross-country cooperation, and data sharing.
- Malaria elimination is projected to save over 400,000 lives and avert 123 million malaria cases, translating to almost $90 billion in economic benefits in Asia Pacific.
Despite the added challenges of COVID-19, malaria elimination remains a viable goal for all countries. Celebrating and learning lessons from these victories is critical at a time when malaria cases are rising in the highest burden countries for the first time in more than a decade.
Spread the Good News!
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#EndMalaria #ZeroMalaria #ZeroMalariaStartsWithMe #EliminationIsPossible
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@who @aplma_malaria @endmalaria @globalfund
Twitter:
Today, @WHO certified China 🇨🇳 as malaria-free. Elimination is a viable goal for all countries – and we must continue our commitment and investment to be the generation to #EndMalaria for good! https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
Congratulations to China 🇨🇳 for achieving malaria-free 🦟 certification! The #malaria 🦟 map 🗺️ keeps shrinking and with continued political leadership and increased access to life-saving tools, we can #endmalaria! https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
From 30m cases of #malaria a year in the 1940s to 0 cases today, congratulations to China for being certified malaria-free by @WHO! 🎉🎉 This incredible achievement brings us even closer to #EndMalaria. Learn about China's elimination journey here: https://bit.ly/3gNA1uh
Another success in the Greater Mekong Subregion 🌏 to #EndMalaria, as China is certified malaria-free! 🦟 #DYK that #malaria cases in the region have been reduced by 97% since 2000? Read the statement from @EndMalaria for more: https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
China’s 🇨🇳 #malaria 🦟 elimination was, in part, thanks to a robust monitoring strategy. Here's how the 1-3-7 strategy works: 🔴 report confirmed cases within 1 day 🔴 investigate cases within 3 days 🔴 interrupt local transmission within 7 days Read more: https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
Facebook:
The Asia Pacific 🌏 region has recorded yet another success in its journey to #EndMalaria, as China is certified malaria-free! 🦟 Did you know that #malaria cases in the Greater Mekong subregion have been reduced by 97% since 2000, and deaths have fallen by 99%? Read the statement from @RBM Partnership to learn more: https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
Congratulations to China 🇨🇳 for achieving malaria-free 🦟 certification! The #malaria 🦟 map 🗺️ is continuing to shrink and with continued political leadership, increased funding to expand access to life-saving tools and the development and delivery of transformative tools, we can #EndMalaria! https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
Today, @WHO certified China 🇨🇳 as malaria-free. The country initially achieved zero malaria cases in 2017 down from 30 million cases per year in the 1940s. Malaria elimination is a viable goal for all countries – and we must continue our commitment and investment to be the generation that will #EndMalaria for good! https://bit.ly/3y1H2NQ
Learn more about China’s elimination journey!
- WHO E2020 final report and E2025 malaria elimination initiative
- WHO photo story on China’s elimination journey
- Reaching Zero: Introducing the E-2025 initiative video
- Tu Youyou and traditional Chinese medicine video
- “From 30 Million to Zero Malaria Cases in China: Lessons Learned for Malaria-Eliminating Countries in Africa” – assets from Defeating Malaria at Harvard University virtual event
- Malaria in China pre-read
- Interview with Dr Jun Cao (Zero Malaria: Voices in Asia-Pacific series