Cambodia Nears Malaria-Free Status with Dramatic Case Reduction

Cambodia is on the cusp of eliminating malaria, having achieved a remarkable 84% decrease in cases in 2025. The country’s progress demonstrates a significant win for public health, building on years of strategic investment and commitment.

Significant Decline in Malaria Cases

In 2025, Cambodia reported just 52 local malaria cases, a substantial drop from the 322 cases recorded in 2024, according to Dr. Huy Rekol, director of the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM). This achievement follows a dramatic reduction from over 62,000 cases in 2018 to 355 in 2024.

Since 2018, Cambodia has reported zero fatalities from malaria, and no local Plasmodium Falciparum cases have been detected since January 2024.

Key Factors Driving Success

The success in combating malaria is attributed to several key factors, including improved surveillance response, increased public awareness, and the availability of essential resources. These resources include malaria testing devices, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and effective anti-malarial drugs.

Effective malaria diagnostic tests and treatments, such as Artesunate/Mefloquine (ASMQ), have proven to be 100% safe and efficacious in Cambodia. The efforts of healthcare professionals and the government have been instrumental in this progress.

Focus on Hard-to-Reach Communities

Cambodia’s malaria elimination strategy now focuses on reaching the most vulnerable populations – those living in forest fringes, borderlands, and mobile or migrant communities. These communities often face barriers to healthcare access due to geographical isolation, language differences, and unique lifestyles.

Village malaria workers play a crucial role in bridging this gap, conducting the majority of testing and treatment in rural areas. They are expanding their scope to address other vector-borne diseases, under the guidance of the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM).

Looking Ahead

With continued vigilance, Cambodia aims to achieve malaria elimination certification by 2029. The nation’s success story serves as a model for other countries striving to eradicate this preventable disease.

Dr. Huy Rekol has served as the Director of the CNM since September 1, 2014.