Cambodia Nears Malaria Elimination Certification Amid Zero Deaths Since 2018

Cambodia is approaching its goal of obtaining certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for malaria elimination, having recorded no deaths from the disease since 2018. On September 19, 2026, Dr. Huy Rekol, Director of the National Center for Entomology, Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, stated that Cambodia is maintaining its status of zero malaria deaths and anticipates receiving the WHO certification for malaria eradication in the near future. According to Dr. Rekol, in 2025, there were a total of 52 malaria cases with no deaths, marking an 84% decrease compared to the 322 cases in 2024. Notably, Cambodia has had zero malaria deaths since 2018, a significant reduction from the 93 deaths recorded in 2011. Health officials attribute this success to the implementation of the National Malaria Elimination Strategy 2011-2025, which was initiated under the leadership of Samdech Techo Hun Sen. This strategy has been aligned with regional and global endeavors. Before the strategy's implementation, Cambodia reported nearly 200,000 malaria cases annually (averaging 130,000 cases per year), with 700-800 deaths each year. Following the national strategy, the first three years saw a 30% reduction in cases, followed by a dramatic decline of over 95% in the last five years. Despite the significant improvements, health officials continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, especially those traveling to or residing in forested areas where transmission risks persist. Key preventive measures include sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets, using mosquito repellents, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms like fever, chills, or shivering after returning from at-risk areas. Maintaining zero deaths and continuously reducing cases are crucial steps towards Cambodia's goal of being malaria-free by 2030. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local