Cases of the more dangerous Plasmodium falciparum (P.F.) malaria are increasing in Dawei District, an area controlled by the New Mon State Party (NMSP), raising concerns among health officials.
A health official said a large number of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria cases were recorded between March and May 2026, and infections have continued to rise during June.
“We found many Pf malaria cases during the first quarter of the year. The number of infected patients remained high in April and May. Although June data has not yet been compiled, reports from field staff indicate that cases are continuing to increase,” the official said.
According to local sources, two young people with underlying health conditions recently died after contracting malaria in the upper reaches of the Ye River area.
Malaria cases have also increased in Payathonzu and nearby villages, including Kyaw Palu, Palai Japan, and Kyantaw, where malaria had previously been relatively uncommon. Local residents said the number of malaria cases is now higher than dengue fever cases.
“Last year, many people suffered from dengue fever. This year, we are seeing many people hospitalized with malaria. Hospitals are full. The illness does not go away easily, and patients must take medication regularly,” a local resident said.
Health workers said treatment efforts are facing challenges due to shortages of malaria medicines and diagnostic supplies as patient numbers continue to rise.
They also said that reduced health assistance from NGOs and INGOs has created additional difficulties for malaria and dengue prevention and control programs.
Within NMSP-controlled areas, the Mon National Health Committee (MNHC) operates three hospitals and 17 clinics. The committee is carrying out disease prevention, monitoring, treatment, and health education programs for malaria and dengue fever.
Despite the increase in malaria cases, local residents said field-based prevention and public health awareness activities have not yet been widely conducted.
