National Program Efficacy During 2021–2025

In assessing its current effectiveness, the NMCEP should be reviewed and compared to present day-oriented objectives for malaria control operations. In order for the country to progress steadily towards the 2030 global target of extensive malaria reduction, the Vietnamese National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (NIMPE) has been appointed to oversee efforts to reduce mortality and morbidity rates in alignment with specific province strata: zero provinces in active malaria control; 40 preventing re-establishment of transmission; and 15 in the process of eliminating malaria. Data recorded to the end of 2019 reveal that Vietnam has not only attained these goals early but also achieved the dramatic successes of a morbidity rate of 0.07/1,000 people (compared to a targeted < 0.15/1,000) and a 0.001/100,000 mortality rate (targeted < 0.02/100,000) (MoH, 2020). Moreover, Vietnam attained an outbreak-free status in the 5-year span 2015–2019. During the same time, confirmed cases of malaria per 1,000 people fell from 0.10 to 0.048 in 2015 and 2019, respectively (MoH, 2020). In managing the control program, the NIMPE has sought to strengthen budgeting to ensure a sufficient supply of resources to historically underserved provinces that are still burdened by malaria via mobilizing varied revenue sources including national and provincial governments, non-government organizations, loans and donations from other countries, and in collaboration with global health agencies. Cumulatively, an average annual sum of US$17.7 million has been allocated to the project, divided into proportions of 53.4% contributed by international support, 45.8% from national government, and 0.85% met by local budgets (MoH, 2020).

Notwithstanding the remarkably favorable outcomes in the immediately preceding period, a new plan was devised for 2021–2025. Specific to this ongoing 5-year period, several targets have been set to be attained by 2025. These are: < 0.015/1,000 morbidity rate; < 0.002/100,000 mortality rate; elimination of malaria in 55 provinces without an outbreak occurrence (MoH, 2020). While the program is current, official data remain unavailable. However, by compiling information from publicly accessible databases held by the NIMPE and WHO, Vietnam’s projection towards a negligible to no morbidity and mortality rate from malaria is predicted. The NIMPE has documented many changes to the national plan evaluated as effective, the implementation of which is helping the country to surpass set targets across multiple provinces.