More than 60,400 people were reportedly infected with malaria in 2008, 10,500 less than in 2007. However, the total number of deaths caused by malaria was 25, one-fifth higher than in 2007.

Eleven provinces seeing an increase in the number of people infected with malaria were Cao Bang, Lang Son, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Ha Nam, Nghe An, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh and Kien Giang.

In 2009, the National Malaria Control Programme will focus on eradicating malaria in high-risk areas in the Central, Central Highland, Eastern Nam Bo and Northcentral regions, particularly in some northern mountainous provinces, while intensifying measures to prevent malaria from spreading widely.