WHO publishes review finding dengue endemic in every district of Sri Lanka

25 October 2026

The World Health Organization has published the report of a mission that carried out a comprehensive integrated review of malaria, leishmaniasis, filariasis and dengue control programmes in Sri Lanka. The mission was carried out from 13 to 20 May 2024 and the report was published on 22 October 2026.
The 83-page report was issued by the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, and the expert team of public health specialists, medical professionals and entomologists was formed in consultation with the WHO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Health.
Sri Lanka has eliminated polio, malaria, rubella, measles, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy as public health concerns, and malaria was declared eliminated in 2016.
Maternal mortality is 25.7 per 100,000 live births and infant mortality is 8.5 per 1,000 live births.
Dengue is endemic in all districts with recurring outbreaks and remains a major challenge, while imported malaria cases pose a risk of re-introduction.
Lymphatic filariasis persists in localized areas and cutaneous leishmaniasis is an emerging concern needing a strategic plan for prevention and treatment.