[Introduction to the Second Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan (2024-2028) toward Malaria Eliminatiion by 2030]

In 2019, the Republic of Korea (ROK) developed a national malaria re-elimination action plan as a priority country, designated by the World Health Organization for malaria elimination certification. In the first phase of the National Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan, efforts were made to increase early patient diagnosis and treatment rates. In 2019, the initiative included the introduction of rapid diagnostic kits under insurance coverage and the publication of the "Malaria Treatment Guidelines." Additionally, the introduction of insurance coverage for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase testing in 2020 and the promotion of cluster case monitoring have also been pursued. Domestic malaria cases peaked at 4,142 in 2000, but efforts aligned with the 2019 Action Plan resulted in a decrease to 356 and 274 cases in 2020 and 2021, respectively. However, cases subsequently increased to 382 and 673 by 2022 and 2023, respectively. Consequently, the second phase of the National Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan reflects the achievements and limitations of the first phase, proposing four implementation strategies, and ten key tasks for further advancement.The second phase of ROK's Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan aims to accelerate domestic malaria elimination by 2030 by focusing on disrupting the transmission chain between patients and vectors. These efforts include implementing active surveillance, enhancing patient management, and improving vector control through scientific measures. Collaboration between government ministries, local authorities, and private medical institutions should be reinforced. The plan aims for zero malaria cases by 2028 and seeks to establish a national malaria elimination certification system.