Vivax malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax, affects nearly 40% of the world's population, with an estimated 132-391 million clinical infections annually. While often considered a benign infection, recent evidence suggests that its burden, economic impact, and severity have been underestimated. Vivax malaria is prevalent in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, Africa, and South America, with significant relapse potential due to its ability to remain dormant in the liver. This relapse capability, combined with limited access to reliable diagnosis and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, complicates control efforts. The disease is associated with severe complications, including anemia, respiratory distress, and even coma, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children and pregnant women. Vivax malaria is also linked to significant economic burden, with estimated annual treatment costs ranging from $0.9 to $2.7 billion. Diagnosis remains challenging, with limited sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests for vivax malaria. Treatment options are limited, with chloroquine being the primary drug, but resistance is emerging, particularly in regions like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Alternative treatments, such as artemisinin derivatives, mefloquine, and halofantrine, are being explored. Effective control strategies require improved diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the epidemiology and economic impact of vivax malaria. Without these, the disease will continue to be neglected, despite its significant global health burden.Vivax malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax, affects nearly 40% of the world's population, with an estimated 132-391 million clinical infections annually. While often considered a benign infection, recent evidence suggests that its burden, economic impact, and severity have been underestimated. Vivax malaria is prevalent in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, Africa, and South America, with significant relapse potential due to its ability to remain dormant in the liver. This relapse capability, combined with limited access to reliable diagnosis and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, complicates control efforts. The disease is associated with severe complications, including anemia, respiratory distress, and even coma, and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children and pregnant women. Vivax malaria is also linked to significant economic burden, with estimated annual treatment costs ranging from $0.9 to $2.7 billion. Diagnosis remains challenging, with limited sensitivity of rapid diagnostic tests for vivax malaria. Treatment options are limited, with chloroquine being the primary drug, but resistance is emerging, particularly in regions like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Alternative treatments, such as artemisinin derivatives, mefloquine, and halofantrine, are being explored. Effective control strategies require improved diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the epidemiology and economic impact of vivax malaria. Without these, the disease will continue to be neglected, despite its significant global health burden.