67th Myanmar Medical Conference JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Quality Diagnosis and Standard Treatment of Malaria (QDSTM) Project, Myanmar Medical Association (MMA)

Zaw Hein1, Htun Nay Myo Aung1, Saw Lwin2, Myat Phone Kyaw3

Published in Volume 68, No. 2, 2026 April – June issue

https://doi.org/10.64455/xmma0023

 

Abstract

Background: Malaria continues to pose a persistent public health challenge in Myanmar, particularly in vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. Although the country has made notable progress toward malaria elimination, recent socio-political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted essential health services, threatening these gains. This study examines malaria trends and the contribution of community-based interventions in Ayeyarwady Region during a period of transition and challenge.

 

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using programmatic data from the Myanmar Medical Association’s Quality Diagnosis and Standard Treatment of Malaria (QDSTM) Project. The study encompassed selected villages in Pathein and Ngapudaw Townships from 2018 to 2022. Key indicators, including malaria incidence, test positivity rate, parasite species distribution, demographic characteristics, and treatment-seeking behaviour, were analysed.

 

Results: A total of 1,116 malaria-positive cases were identified, with a dramatic resurgence observed in 2022 notably, accounting for 1,021 cases. The test positivity rate increased sharply from 0.03% in 2019 to 5.71% in 2022, signaling intensified transmission. A not- able shift toward Plasmodium falciparum predominance was observed in Ngapudaw Township, while P. vivax remained more prevalent in Pathein. The burden of disease was disproportionately borne by adult males of working age, particularly forest goers, who comprised over two-thirds of cases. Delayed care-seeking behavior was widespread, with the majority of patients presenting after 24 hours of symptom onset, contributing to continued transmission. Despite these challenges, community-based malaria volunteers demonstrated efficient performance, achieving a 99.8% real-time case notification rate and sustaining surveillance functions under constrained conditions.

 

Conclusion: The findings reveal a substantial rebound of malaria in Ayeyarwady Region, driven by disruptions in health services, increased population vulnerability, and gaps in timely diagnosis and vector control. Nevertheless, community-based platforms have remained resilient and instrumental in preserving surveillance and response capacity. Reinforcing early diagnosis, prompt treatment, targeted interventions for high-risk groups, and strengthened vector control strategies would be critical to regaining momentum toward malaria elimination in Myanmar.

 

Keywords: Malaria positive cases, Community-based interventions, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar

  1. Quality Diagnosis and Standard Treatment Myanmar Project, Myanmar Medical Association
  2. Malariologist, Vector Born Disease Control Program, Ministry of Health
  3. Malariologist, Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health

Corresponding author: [email protected]

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5316-6544