Laos renews commitment to end malaria by 2030
VIENTIANE: Laos has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating malaria by 2030 at a World Malaria Day event held in Vientiane on April 24. The gathering brought together over 40 representatives from government ministries, international partners, diplomatic missions, communities and civil society.
The event, which emphasised collective efforts to strengthen health systems and eradicate malaria, also highlighted the country's progress in reducing malaria cases. It was organised by the Communicable Disease Department, Ministry of Health, with support from the Community Health and Inclusion Association, Global Health Advocates, and the Global Fund Advocates Network Asia-Pacific.
Distinguished guests included Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Deputy of the French National Assembly Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback, British Ambassador to Laos Melanie Barlow, and Lady Roslyn Morauta, Chair of the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
This year's theme, Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite, calls for renewed commitment to malaria elimination through innovation, collaboration and sustained action.
Dr Bounfeng expressed pride in Laos' efforts, stating, 'Funding from institutions such as the Global Fund has supported Laos over the past two decades in addressing HIV, TB and malaria. These diseases remain public health challenges, and their elimination is a priority for the Ministry of Health.'
Speaking virtually, Lady Morauta described the event as 'an opportunity to celebrate progress while staying focused on safeguarding gains'. She reaffirmed the Global Fund's vital role, made possible through strong donor support and leadership.
Ambassador Melanie Barlow underlined malaria's continued threat: 'In 2023, an estimated 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths were recorded worldwide – most of them children. A child dies of malaria every minute. But this is a fight we must win.'
She praised Laos' significant progress, noting that malaria cases had dropped from about 462,000 in 1997 to just over 2,300 in 2022, driven by improved testing, treatment and surveillance. 'The last mile is the hardest, but critical to achieving elimination,' she said.
The United Kingdom has contributed £5.5 billion (US$7.3 billion) to the Global Fund and is co-hosting its eighth replenishment with South Africa. 'The Global Fund remains a key pillar in the global fight against malaria,' Ambassador Barlow added.
France, the second-largest contributor to the Global Fund with €6.9 billion (US$7.82 billion), also reaffirmed its support. Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback highlighted the importance of political will and international solidarity, saying, 'Malaria is preventable and curable, yet still causes more than 600,000 deaths annually. Parliamentarians must advocate for funding, monitor commitments, and keep global health a priority.'
She praised health workers, researchers and communities as 'the true heroes', adding, 'Their fight must become our fight.'
Dr Phonepadith Sangsayalath, Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control, outlined Laos' strategy, stressing the need for continued efforts in high-risk forested and border areas. 'Despite progress, access to testing and treatment remains challenging due to socio-economic and geographic barriers. Our response must be inclusive and data-driven,' he said.
Malaria control efforts in Laos are supported by the Global Fund and implemented through the Ministry of Health's National Malaria Control Programme, in partnership with development agencies, civil society, and communities.
As Laos moves closer to its malaria elimination goal, health officials and partners agree that sustained funding, regional cooperation, and innovation are essential to addressing challenges such as drug resistance and climate-related transmission risks. - Vientiane Times/ANN
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