South-east Asia is facing a major threat from malaria as drug-resistant strains of the disease emerge, health officials warned today.
The World Health Organisation promised an emergency response to the situation, which affects the Greater Mekong region, which includes Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.
It warned of a dramatic increase in illness and death, with children affected badly.
It issued its warning on World Malaria Day.
WHO is calling for more research into treatments for drug-resistant malaria but also efforts to eliminate malaria from the affected areas.
And it says the affected countries must take steps to ensure drugs are administered properly – warning of the use of poor quality drugs.
Malaria expert Dr Robert Newman said: "We are at a tipping point. What seems to be a localised threat could easily get out of control and have serious implications for global health.
“This response will require substantial funding, a high level of political commitment, and strengthened regional and cross-border collaboration."
The new campaign is being backed by the Global Fund and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and will see WHO setting up a base in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Mark Dybul, director of the Global Fund, which is pumping 100 million dollars into the campaign, said: "We need to invest more in order to tackle drug resistance."
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