MoH reports dengue fever, malaria cases, emphasizes prevention efforts

According to the Ministry of Health, there were 16,130 cases of dengue fever reported in 2023 across five regions and states, including Yangon, Mon, Rakhine, Ayeyawady, and Nay Pyi Taw. Public participation in the prevention and control of dengue fever is crucial, and adherence to prescribed prevention activities is essential.
Historically, dengue fever cases were common among individuals under the age of 15. However, over the last decade, there has been a notable increase in cases among those over the age of 15. In 2020, there were 15,131 cases with 68 deaths. In 2021, reported cases dropped to 5,446, resulting in 36 deaths. In 2022, there was a significant increase with 24,971 cases and 97 deaths. The average annual death rate during this period was 0.4 per cent.
Similarly, there were a total of 158,004 malaria cases in 2022, and 137,216 cases from January to October 2023. As part of the anti-malaria plan, the Ministry of Health aims to have no Plasmodium falciparum infections by 2026, and by 2030, it is working towards the complete elimination of malaria. — TWA/KZW