BANGKOK – The Ministry of Public Health is accelerating its malaria eradication campaign under the government’s Pracharat Model.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn has affirmed his ministry’s commitment to realize the global agenda by the World Health Organization to “End Malaria for Good” and announced Thailand’s goal of eradicating malaria from the country by the year 2024.
Malaria cases worldwide have dropped steadily since 2000 by more than 75% in 55 countries worldwide. In Thailand, the number of malaria patients has decreased from 150,000 cases in 2000 to 24,850 in 2015, marking an 85% decrease with the remaining cases concentrated along the border.
The Ministry of Public Health has announced its malaria eradication plan for 2017 to 2026. The plan consists of developing technology, innovation and appropriate measures to eliminate malaria; increasing cooperation between partners; and empowering the public with healthy habits that prevent malaria. The plan has a total budget of 2.283 billion baht.
