Recent years have seen steep declines in malaria incidence and mortality rates. Incidence rates have decreased to one third of those in 2000. Mortality rates per 100,000 population have reduced from 7.1 to 0.3 between 2000 and 2011. Despite these successes, outbreaks still occur, particularly in provinces with populations dominated by ethnic minorities and seasonal or migratory workers, and those provinces with high levels of cross-border movement. Recent outbreaks have also been linked to large-scale development projects, and subsequent changes in land use.

 

Through the Global Fund for AIDS, Malaria and TB (GFATM) PEDA has been working with vulnerable groups including ethnic minorities, in Louang Namtha and Savannakhet provinces. A comprehensive education package has been developed and delivered focusing on Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM), bed-net use and healthcare seeking behavior. The program includes referral to facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, aiming to improve the timeliness of healthcare-seeking behavior.

 

Click on the photos below to learn more about PEDA's projects.