A Research Agenda for Malaria Eradication: Cross-Cutting Issues for Eradication

doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000404

Abstract

Discipline-specific Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) Consultative Groups have recognized several cross-cutting issues that must be addressed to prevent repetition of some of the mistakes of past malaria elimination campaigns in future programs. Integrated research is required to develop a decision-making framework for the switch from malaria control to elimination. Similarly, a strong economic case is needed for the very long-term financial support that is essential for elimination. Another cross-cutting priority is the development of improved measures of intensity of transmission, especially at low and nonrandom levels. Because sustained malaria elimination is dependent on a functioning health system, a further key cross-cutting research question is to determine how inputs for malaria can strengthen health systems, information systems, and overall health outcomes. Implementation of elimination programs must also be accompanied by capacity building and training to allow the assessment of the impact of new combinations of interventions, new roles for different individuals, and the operational research that is needed to facilitate program expansion. Finally, because community engagement, knowledge management, communication, political, and multisectoral support are critical but poorly understood success factors for malaria elimination, integrated research into these issues is vital.

Highlights

Scientists in the various Consultative Groups contributing to the Malaria Eradication Research Agenda concentrated on research questions relevant to their thematic areas
N Several important cross-cutting issues must be addressed as the international community or an individual program moves from malaria control to malaria elimination/eradication: an integrated decision-making framework must be constructed for this paradigm shift
The consideration of information systems as interventions, provides a useful perspective for the definition of the Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) research and development agenda and is well discussed elsewhere in this series

Summary

Introduction

Scientists in the various Consultative Groups contributing to the Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) concentrated on research questions relevant to their thematic areas. Consideration of these cross-cutting issues, we argue, is essential for regional elimination and, global eradication of malaria, but is relevant for scaled-up and improved control of disease. The GMAP has identified the need to continue and scale up control of malaria in highly endemic areas for maximal reduction of Citation: The malERA Consultative Group on Integration Strategies (2011) A Research Agenda for Malaria Eradication: Cross-Cutting Issues for Eradication.

Results

Conclusion