China was praised for its contribution to eliminating malaria globally in a side-gathering held during the 71th World Health Assembly (WHA) on May 22.

The event was initiated by China, and co-organized by eight countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Australia.

Experts in malaria control from different countries offered their ideas for eliminating malaria globally by 2030 at the meeting.

"Global malaria prevention and control is at a crossing road," said an official from the World Health Organization, "A populous country, China has achieved a zero infection rate for malaria, which is a difficult task."

"Regional cooperation is an effective way to prevent malaria," said an official from Australia, "We are conducting cooperation with China in this area to lower incidence rate and the cost."

The Chinese government has included eliminating malaria into its economic and social development plan, and conducted regional cooperation in prevention and control, according to Mao Qunan, director of the disease prevention and control department of China's National Health Commission.

"The government's focus on eliminating malaria, clear measures and requirements, an effective malaria information management system, and professional training are the key advantages of China in the fight against malaria," said Mao.

In 2010 China responded actively to the UN proposal to eliminate malaria globally, and set a target to eliminate malaria across the country by 2020.