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Africa often dominates the malaria conversation, but Asia Pacific carries its own significant burden. Speaking to CNA Asia Now, Dr. Sarthak Das, Chief Executive Officer of APLMA, highlighted that the region saw 12,000 malaria deaths last year, according to the World Malaria Report 2022 — roughly three lives lost every two hours. Yet the region has seen an approximately 70% drop in deaths over the past two decades, and countries like China and Sri Lanka have achieved malaria-free status, proving that elimination is possible.
However, current funding for malaria continues to fall short of what is required, with the gap most evident among hard‑to‑reach populations where malaria remains entrenched and resource‑intensive interventions are needed. Closing this funding gap is essential to ensure no community is left behind in the push toward elimination. On the other hand, while the first WHO-approved vaccine for malaria offers protection against one type of Plasmodium parasite, there is none currently for the predominant type of parasite seen in Asia Pacific - P. vivax. Existing tools and interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets remain effective, and with sustained political commitment, adequate resources and strengthened public health management, Dr. Das remains optimistic that elimination is achievable despite ongoing challenges.
It is clear that the path to malaria elimination in Asia Pacific is neither simple nor guaranteed, but it is filled with possibilities. As Dr. Das emphasized in his interview with CNA, the world mustn't wait for a “magic bullet". True progress can be achieved through strengthened resolve and strategic investment to reinforce proven interventions and accelerate innovation, enabling the region to transform hope into reality and move decisively toward a malaria‑free future.
A full written coverage of the interview is also available on CNA here.
