Anti Malaria Campaign Sri Lanka

26/07/2026

18/05/2026

Malaria can still occur in Sri Lanka through imported cases from malaria endemic countries. A recent severe malaria case in a foreign traveler reminds us that delayed suspicion and delayed testing can lead to life-threatening complications.

All healthcare staff are kindly requested to maintain a high index of suspicion for malaria in any foreign national or traveller presenting with fever or history of fever, especially those arriving from malaria endemic countries. Early diagnosis through malaria testing (RDT / blood film) and prompt treatment can save lives.

🦟 THINK MALARIA IN FOREIGN PATIENTS
🩺 Ask about recent travel history
🔬 Request a malaria test without delay
⚠️ Severe malaria can develop rapidly if missed

For advice, support, or urgent assistance:
📞 Anti Malaria Campaign, Ministry of Health Hotline: 071 284 1767

Please share this message among healthcare professionals to improve early detection and prevent severe malaria cases in Sri Lanka.

12/05/2026

On Friday, 24th April 2026, Sri Lanka commemorated World Malaria Day 2026 under the locally adapted theme:

🦟 “Prevent and Test for Travellers’ Malaria”

While the global theme for this year is “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”, Sri Lanka proudly reflected on a remarkable public health achievement — eliminating malaria in 2012 and receiving WHO certification as a malaria-free country in 2016, marking 10 years since this historic recognition.

Although Sri Lanka remains malaria-free, the risk of re-introduction continues through imported cases associated with international travel. Therefore, vigilance, early testing, and awareness among travellers remain critically important.

To commemorate this important occasion, a special event was held at the Auditorium of the Anti Malaria Campaign Headquarters. The programme included the unveiling of photographs of past Medical Administrators of the Anti Malaria Campaign in appreciation of their invaluable leadership and contribution towards malaria elimination in Sri Lanka.

The event also recognized and appreciated the dedicated services rendered by healthcare professionals from both public and private sectors who continue to contribute towards preventing the re-establishment of malaria in the country. The ceremony was graced by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Health together with officials from the Ministry of Health and distinguished invitees.

Sri Lanka’s malaria elimination success is a testament to decades of commitment, surveillance, partnership, and public health dedication. As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to sustaining zero indigenous malaria cases and preventing malaria-related deaths.

✅ If you travel to malaria-endemic countries:
• Take preventive medication before travel
• Get tested for malaria upon return if you develop fever or symptoms
• Inform your doctor about your travel history

Together, let us protect Sri Lanka’s malaria-free status for future generations.

12/05/2026

On Friday, 24th April 2026, Sri Lanka commemorated World Malaria Day 2026 under the locally adapted theme:

🦟 “Prevent and Test for Travellers’ Malaria”

While the global theme for this year is “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”, Sri Lanka proudly reflected on a remarkable public health achievement — eliminating malaria in 2012 and receiving WHO certification as a malaria-free country in 2016, marking 10 years since this historic recognition.

Although Sri Lanka remains malaria-free, the risk of re-establishment continues through imported cases associated with international travel. Therefore, vigilance, early testing, and awareness among travellers remain critically important.

To commemorate this important occasion, a special event was held at the Auditorium of the Anti Malaria Campaign Headquarters. The programme included the unveiling of photographs of past Medical Administrators of the Anti Malaria Campaign in appreciation of their invaluable leadership and contribution towards malaria elimination in Sri Lanka.

The event also recognized and appreciated the dedicated services rendered by healthcare professionals from both public and private sectors who continue to contribute towards preventing the re-establishment of malaria in the country. The ceremony was graced by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Health together with officials from the Ministry of Health and distinguished invitees.

Sri Lanka’s malaria elimination success is a testament to decades of commitment, surveillance, partnership, and public health dedication. As we commemorate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to sustaining zero indigenous malaria cases and preventing malaria-related deaths.

✅ If you travel to malaria-endemic countries:
• Take preventive medication before travel
• Get tested for malaria upon return if you develop fever or symptoms
• Inform your doctor about your travel history

Together, let us protect Sri Lanka’s malaria-free status for future generations.

22/03/2026

🌍 Zero Malaria: Continuous Vigilance in a Globalized World

Dr. Pubudu Chulasiri, Consultant Community Physician from Anti Malaria Campaign was honored to serve as the resource person for the recent public webinar organized by the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) on the theme “Zero Malaria: Continuous Vigilance, Sustaining Elimination in a Globalized World.”

Sri Lanka’s achievement of eliminating malaria in 2012 and maintaining zero indigenous cases since 2013 is a remarkable public health milestone. However, as emphasized during the session, elimination does not mean zero risk.

In today’s highly globalized world, the key challenges we face include:
🔹 Increasing number of imported malaria cases
🔹 Presence of competent vector populations
🔹 Delays in diagnosis, which can have fatal consequences
🔹 Vulnerable high-risk groups such as travelers, migrant workers, and returning peacekeepers

Recent data clearly highlight that even a single missed or delayed diagnosis can potentially re-establish transmission .

💡 The core message remains clear:
“Continuous vigilance is the price of sustaining elimination.”

Key strategies discussed:
✔ Strengthening surveillance systems and rapid response
✔ Ensuring early diagnosis and prompt treatment
✔ Enhancing clinician and public awareness
✔ Maintaining strong entomological and vector control activities
✔ Targeting high-risk populations with preventive measures

Anti malaria campaign would like to thank to Dr. Pubudu Chulasiri for being the resource person, the organisers, and to Dr. Nimali Wijegoonawardene for moderating the session, and to all participants for their active engagement.

Let us continue to work together to ensure that Sri Lanka remains malaria-free — not just today, but for generations to come.