KDCA-Ministry of National Defense 'Malaria' Symposium... "Re-eradication by 2030"

by Lee Gwanju

Published 25 Apr.2023 13:10(KST)

On the 25th, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) held a joint symposium with the Ministry of National Defense to mark 'World Malaria Day' and agreed to strengthen cooperation with the goal of re-eradicating malaria by 2030. This is the first time that the KDCA has held an official event related to World Malaria Day.

Anopheles mosquito with spotted wings that transmits malaria in China. [Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease transmitted through mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 247 million cases occurred in 84 countries in 2021 alone. The WHO designates priority malaria elimination countries every five years with the goal of eradicating malaria in 35 countries by 2030, and South Korea is included among them.

South Korea declared complete eradication of malaria in 1979; however, since malaria reemerged near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 1993, about 300 to 400 cases continue to occur annually among civilians and military personnel, mainly in Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon provinces. The 'Plasmodium vivax malaria' occurring domestically can be transmitted to nearby people through mosquitoes, and because long-term medication is required for complete treatment and relapse prevention, and blood donation is prohibited for three years after treatment ends, it is important to block transmission in advance and prevent infection.

Distribution of Malaria Patients in South Korea in 2022. [Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

At the symposium, more than 150 participants including KDCA and military officials, local governments, and experts discussed ▲strategies of government and military for domestic malaria eradication ▲sharing of field response cases ▲and directions for promotion of eradication. In particular, participants shared the view that a more aggressive strategy, such as thorough management of individual cases, is necessary for eradication in a situation where patient occurrence is low, and agreed to strengthen cooperation.

Ji Young-mi, Commissioner of the KDCA, said, "This was a time for the military, local governments, and experts to discuss achieving zero malaria by 2027 and malaria eradication by 2030," adding, "We ask for the interest and cooperation of all citizens, including local communities, military personnel, and healthcare workers, for the prompt eradication of malaria in South Korea."