The 12th National Competence Assessment of Malaria Microscopists Held as Scheduled

To strengthen malaria diagnostic capacity in the Greater Mekong Subregion, enhance cross-border cooperation on malaria prevention and control, and support the long-term goal of malaria elimination, the 12th National Competence Assessment of Malaria Microscopists (NCAMM) training course was held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, from January 8 to 16, 2026. The course was organized by the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (National Center for Tropical Diseases Research), and hosted by the Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases. Twelve malaria microscopists from eight states and regions in Myanmar, including Nay Pyi Taw, attended the course.

 

After two days of preparatory training and four days of standardized assessment, Ms. Thin Thin San from Yangon received Grade A, the highest level. Five participants received Grade B, three received Grade C, and three received Grade D. The course assessed the comprehensive competence of the 12 microscopists in malaria parasite detection, species identification, parasite counting, and blood smear preparation. It also included in-depth exchanges on malaria fundamentals, microscopy techniques, treatment, and human resource development for malaria microscopy. The training and assessment injected new momentum into cross-border cooperation on malaria prevention and control along the China–Myanmar border.