Malaria Research for Tailored Control and Elimination Strategies in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Issued Date
2022-10-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00029637
eISSN
14761645
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85140138516
Pubmed ID
36228914
Journal Title
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume
107
Start Page
151
End Page
159
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Vol.107 (2022) , 151-159
Suggested Citation
Sattabongkot J., Cui L., Bantuchai S., Chotirat S., Kaewkungwal J., Khamsiriwatchara A., Kiattibutr K., Kyaw M.P., Lawpoolsri S., Linn N.Y.Y., Menezes L., Miao J., Nguitragool W., Parker D., Prikchoo P., Roobsoong W., Sa-Angchai P., Samung Y., Sirichaisinthop J., Sriwichai P., Suk-Uam K., Thammapalo S., Wang B., Zhong D. Malaria Research for Tailored Control and Elimination Strategies in the Greater Mekong Subregion. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Vol.107 (2022) , 151-159. 159. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.21-1268 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/84897
Title
Malaria Research for Tailored Control and Elimination Strategies in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The malaria landscape in the Greater Mekong Subregion has experienced drastic changes with the rampup of the control efforts, revealing formidable challenges that slowed down the progress toward malaria elimination. Problems such as border malaria and cross-border malaria introduction, multidrug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, the persistence of Plasmodium vivax, the asymptomatic parasite reservoirs, and insecticide resistance in primary vectors require integrated strategies tailored for individual nations in the region. In recognition of these challenges and the need for research, the Southeast Asian International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research has established a network of researchers and stakeholders and conducted basic and translational research to identify existing and emerging problems and develop new countermeasures. The installation of a comprehensive disease and vector surveillance system at sentinel sites in border areas with the implementation of passive/active case detection and cross-sectional surveys allowed timely detection and management of malaria cases, provided updated knowledge for effective vector control measures, and facilitated the efficacy studies of antimalarials. Incorporating sensitive molecular diagnosis to expose the significance of asymptomatic parasite reservoirs for sustaining transmission helped establish the necessary evidence to guide targeted control to eliminate residual transmission. In addition, this program has developed point-of-care diagnostics to monitor the quality of artemisinin combination therapies, delivering the needed information to the drug regulatory authorities to take measures against falsified and substandard antimalarials. To accelerate malaria elimination, this program has actively engaged with stakeholders of all levels, fostered vertical and horizontal collaborations, and enabled the effective dissemination of research findings.