The northern border province of Lao Cai and Hekou district of China on April 24 launched a joint communication campaign to prevent malaria in the areas along the border.

The campaign, which is the latest in a series of similar activities carried out by the two sides’ competent agencies since 2009, responds to the World Malaria Day (April 25).

Lao Cai’s districts of Bac Ha, Bao Thang, Bao Yen and Si Ma Cai used to be “hot spots” of malaria with frequent malaria epidemic breakouts.

Since 2010, the disease has been put under control and the number of malaria cases has seen a sharp decrease.

However, local people still face a high risk of malaria due to their limited knowledge on malaria prevention.

Lao Cai will continue its efforts to persuade local people to use mosquito nets every day, soak mosquito nets in insecticide, spray anti-mosquito chemicals and provide better treatment for malaria patients.-VNA