"Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organisation. However, it is preventable and curable. In the last seven years, we have witnessed extraordinary progress in the fight against malaria in the country. Cases have dropped by 85 percent and deaths by a stunning 95pc. With this current trajectory, we can end local transmission in Myanmar by 2030. There are many reasons for the recent success. The government has made malaria elimination a political priority, not only for the Ministry of Health and Sports, but for all ministries. Public health facilities and village volunteers provide free tests, treatment and care across the country. And development partners have contributed significant funding and technical expertise. This has complemented large increases in domestic resources dedicated to tackle the disease. We should celebrate progress. But we must also be mindful that the fight is not yet over. As we move closer to elimination, malaria will recede into the most remote of areas and make it harder to find the last cases. This challenge is compounded by antimalarial drug resistance in the countries surrounding the Mekong River. If drug resistance were to deepen and spread, we may have a public health disaster on our hands. We must stop drug resistance in its tracks, and the only way to do so with certainty is to eliminate the disease. Elimination will require more of what has proven successful, as well as innovation. We must increase and sustain funding, ensure that all have access to quality health care, and expand the collaboration with communities affected by malaria. We must also deepen our partnership with the corporate sector. In 2018, the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance and Yoma Strategic Holdings launched M2030 in Myanmar, bringing together businesses, consumers and health organisations to help end malaria. Today, local companies are also raising funds for malaria programs in Myanmar, reminding consumers that they can help end this disease..."