The possibility of eradicating malaria in the Western Pacific Region

ABSTRACT

Malaria is endemic, to a greater or lesser extent, in the Western Pacific region apart from New Zealand and some islands in the South Pacific. It has practically disappeared from Australia except in its northern part; in Japan, the incidence of the disease has been reduced to such a level that it no longer constitutes a serious public health problem. The greater part of the region, however, is still burdened by this disease.In discussing the possibility of eradicating malaria in the Western Pacific region, one naturally has to consider certain elements which play an essential part in the overall scheme; these are briefly discussed below. (Author)