JOHANNESBURG, April 25 -- South Africa's Department of Health said Thursday that the country is on track to eliminate malaria by 2028 despite facing various challenges, such as a heightened heatwave that could directly impact the transmission of the disease.

The department said in a statement commemorating World Malaria Day, which falls on Thursday, that 9,795 malaria cases and 106 deaths were reported in South Africa in 2023, which demonstrated notable progress.

According to the department, South Africa was among the countries that received prestigious global awards from the World Health Organization last year for its efforts to achieve an important milestone toward malaria elimination.

"While progress has been made in reducing the burden of malaria, particularly in endemic provinces like Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal, further efforts are needed to curb local transmission," the department said.

The department urges all stakeholders, including communities, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and international partners, to collaborate in intensifying the fight against malaria.

Malaria is a preventable and curable life-threatening disease, with symptoms including headache, fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain that may occur up to three weeks after first potential exposure.

  - Xinhua