Subnational Elimination Certification System for Malaria Elimination in the Republic of Korea.

OBJECTIVES: Since the reemergence of malaria in 1993, approximately 600 malaria cases have been reported annually in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the ROK as a priority nation for malaria elimination. To achieve domestic malaria elimination, the ROK has established and implemented the Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan, focusing on patient and vector management, control of high-risk areas, and a foundation for elimination. In particular, the regional malaria elimination certification process-implemented in countries approaching elimination-is being introduced in the ROK as a preparatory step toward national-level certification. METHODS: This study was developed by integrating WHO documents on elimination readiness and procedures, the literature on national malaria elimination efforts and achievements, and the project's final report on developing a regional malaria elimination certification system. RESULTS: In line with the national malaria elimination certification framework, documentation requirements applicable at the regional (local government) level were established. The regional certification system aims to reduce epidemiological disparities across regions, strengthen surveillance and response systems, and ensure the sustainability of preventive measures before national certification. CONCLUSIONS: To obtain malaria elimination certification from the WHO after 2030, the ROK intends to implement the regional malaria elimination certification system across all high-risk areas as part of the Second Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan, thereby establishing the foundation for national elimination.