In South Korea, malaria cases continue to be detected by health authorities. Recently, the government confirmed an outbreak of the disease among soldiers discharged from military service in border areas. The Ministry of National Defense and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency are pursuing an ambitious action plan to eradicate malaria domestically in the next few years. The plan includes free malaria diagnostic tests and treatment prescriptions for one year after discharge at military hospitals, as well as free diagnostic testing for two years after discharge at public health centers.
At present, however, the Agency continues to issue malaria warnings for several areas, including Seoul’s Yangcheon and Gangseo districts. In 2023, over 700 cases were confirmed across the country.
