15 Dec 2014

Pacific on track to meet malaria goal

7:20 am on 15 December 2014

The WHO's head of vector borne diseases Dr Eva Christophel says funding for long term mosquito nets, and improved drug treatment has made a huge difference.

She says the 75 per cent reduction is one of the Millenium Development Goals and the drop in mortality and morbidity from malaria is incredible.

She says new rapid testing in Papua New Guinea is showing more cases but the prevalence in the population is declining.

"Nine out of ten countries have already reached this goal now given the data of 2013, except Papua New Guinea. However also Papua New Guinea in fact has made huge progress. So in our assessment we say that actually Papua New Guinea is well on track to reach this goal then by 2015."

Dr Eva Christophel.

Angau Hospital, Lae, Papua New Guinea

Angau Hospital, Lae, Papua New Guinea Photo: RNZI