Case study: malaria pre-elimination in DPR Korea

Abstract

Malaria reemerged in DPR Korea in the late 1990s. Malaria cases peaked in 2002 at over 240000. A strong national response supported by international partners has brought down the number of cases but in 2010 over 15265 cases were still being reported. Early diagnosis based on smear microscopy and prompt treatment as per national treatment protocols are being strengthened. To achieve malaria pre-elimination in the country, approximately 3 million people living in 29 high-transmission counties must be targeted and covered by long lasting insecticide treated nets (‎LLIN)‎. Thus, around 1.5 million LLINs are required to be distributed. Moreover, around 1 million households in 62 medium transmission counties are planned to be covered with indoor residual spray (‎IRS)‎, for which around 16 tonnes of insecticide is needed annually.