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.
