Dong Nai determines to terminate malaria by 2030

On April 23, the Dong Nai Department of Health held a rally and parade at the provincial Center for Disease Control (Facility 2) to mark World Malaria Day (April 25) 2026.

Luu Van Dung, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, delivers remarks at the rally. Photo: Do Hoa

Addressing the event, Luu Van Dung, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Health, noted that this year’s Vietnam campaign for World Malaria Day is being held under the theme “Mobilizing all resources to successfully achieve the goal of malaria elimination in Vietnam by 2030". Authorities at all levels, relevant sectors, and the public are encouraged to take proactive steps to prevent this dangerous disease and safeguard community health.

Over recent years, malaria prevention and control efforts in Dong Nai have yielded encouraging results. The epidemiological surveillance system has been consistently maintained; a network of 152 microscopy sites has been operating effectively; and case detection, diagnosis, and treatment have been carried out promptly in accordance with prescribed protocols. In 2025 alone, the province tested more than 77,000 suspected cases, detected 5 infections, all of which were successfully treated, with no fatalities reported.

Meanwhile, vector control interventions have been further intensified. Through chemical spraying and insecticide-treated nets, over 5,700 residents in high-risk areas have been protected. Alongside these measures, health communication and education campaigns have been widely rolled out, including thousands of radio broadcasts, group communication sessions, and household visits, all of which have contributed to raising public awareness.

Notably, the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative 4 Elimination (RAI4E) has supported the provision of tens of thousands of insecticide-treated nets and hammocks for residents in high-risk areas.

A parade convoy carrying slogans about communication moves through the main streets of Dong Xoai ward. Photo: Do Hoa

Alongside these achievements, malaria prevention and control efforts continue to face multiple challenges. Many areas still present complex epidemiological conditions, including forested and mountainous regions, scattered populations, and cross-border trade activities. Currently, more than 831,000 people in the province live in malaria-endemic areas. The recent emergence of both indigenous and imported cases serves as a clear warning of the risk of disease resurgence. A portion of the population remains complacent, lacking the habit of using insecticide-treated nets when staying overnight in fields. Meanwhile, access to healthcare services in certain areas remains limited, hindering disease control efforts.

Against this backdrop, the Dong Nai health sector has identified the need to continue implementing synchronized, comprehensive solutions to eliminate malaria in Dong Nai, in particular, and in Vietnam, in general, by 2030.

Following the rally, a convoy from the Department of Health and the Provincial Police, carrying communication slogans, paraded along major routes in Dong Xoai ward.

By Hanh Dung – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho