Publication: Malaria ecology along the Thailand– Myanmar border
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Issued Date
2015
Resource Type
Language
eng
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Mahidol University
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BioMed Central
Bibliographic Citation
Malar Journal. Vol.14, (2015), 388
Suggested Citation
Parker, Daniel M., Carrara, Verena I, Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, Rose McGready, Nosten, François H. Malaria ecology along the Thailand– Myanmar border. Malar Journal. Vol.14, (2015), 388. doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0921-y Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/3087
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Title
Malaria ecology along the Thailand– Myanmar border
Abstract
Background: Malaria in Southeast Asia frequently clusters along international borders. For example, while most of
Thailand is malaria free, the border region shared with Myanmar continues to have endemic malaria. This spatial pattern
is the result of complex interactions between landscape, humans, mosquito vectors, and malaria parasites. An
understanding of these complex ecological and socio-cultural interactions is important for designing and implementing
malaria elimination efforts in the region. This article offers an ecological perspective on the malaria situation along
the Thailand–Myanmar border.
Discussion: This border region is long (2000 km), mountainous, and the environment ranges from thick forests to
growing urban settlements and wet-rice fields. It is also a biologically diverse region. All five species of malaria known
to naturally infect humans are present. At least three mosquito vector species complexes, with widely varying behavioural
characteristics, exist in the area. The region is also a hub for ethnic diversity, being home to over ten different
ethnolinguistic groups, several of which have been engaged in conflict with the Myanmar government now for over
half a century. Given the biological and ethnic diversity, as well as the complex socio-political context, malaria control
and elimination in the region is challenging.
Conclusion: Despite these complexities, multipronged approaches including collaborations with multiple local
organizations, quick access to diagnosis and treatment, prevention of mosquito bites, radical cure of parasites, and
mass drug administration appear to be drastically decreasing Plasmodium falciparum infections. Such approaches
remain crucial as the region moves toward elimination of P. falciparum and potentially Plasmodium vivax.