Lao health ministry, development partner join hands to eliminate malaria

　　VIENTIANE, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Health and its development partner are committed to working closely to eliminate all forms of malaria by 2030, said a statement from the ministry.

　　The Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Lao Ministry of Health and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, a global health organization, have signed an agreement to launch a four-year program to eliminate all forms of malaria, the statement said.

　　The "Strengthening Systems to Accelerate Malaria Elimination in Laos" project aims to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of local health systems, improve access to quality malaria services, and strengthen surveillance systems for greater vigilance.

　　The project will target high-risk groups, including mobile, migrant, ethnic, and vulnerable populations. It will strengthen the surveillance system and evidence base for these groups, as well as expand malaria prevention and case management for hard-to-reach populations at risk of malaria.

　　The Clinton Health Access Initiative is a global health organization that operates at the intersection of government, business, and health, aiming to drive changes across the entire health system. ■