Case Study: Malaria pre-elimination in DPR Korea Background 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.
Donor support Initially the malaria control project was supported by Republic of Korea (ROK) funds. Annually, approximately US $ 1 million in-kind donation from ROK was provided to support malaria control activities, mainly supplies and equipment for indoor spraying, impregnation of bednets, etc. Since 2010, the Global Fund has assisted procurement and distribution of 300000 LLINs to 300000 households. However, this has only partially addressed the actual need. There is still a gap of 1.2 million LLINs. Concerning IRS, only 5.5 tonnes of deltamethrin were procured and used to spray half of the required number of households. Health staff and volunteers have been trained in LLIN distribution and spraying teams trained in IRS.
Impregnation of bednets for malaria prevention and control in rural areas
The National Malaria Programme proposes to procure additional but limited numbers of LLINs and insecticide with efficiency savings from the initial year of grant implementation. In spite of these additional quantities, there still is a large shortfall of LLINs and deltamethrin. DPR Korea has a wide and manpowerrich health system that is capable of mounting well-coordinated responses. Support
of external partners and donors in making available LLINS and insecticides will assist in achieving the malaria pre-elimination goals.
Quick facts Items LLIN Insecticide Need 1.5 million 16 ton Supported 300,000 5.5 ton Gap 1.2 million 10.5 ton
Community education on proper utilization of impregnated bednets
Building blocks for achieving malaria pre-elimination in DPR Korea are in place, but support from external partners and donors is required to reach the goal.