May 27, 2010
The Question
How should countries or regions prepare for the post elimination phase of malaria and prevent its reemergence?
What we found
Countries need to conduct feasibility assessments for the prevention of malaria resurgence. They should consider importation risks, the intrinsic potential of malaria transmission, and surveillance possibilities to develop a cost-effective plan tailored to their specific situation. At the same time, coordination among the countries or regions is needed. Resources towards preventing malaria’s reintroduction need to be maintained long after elimination.
Why it matters
Reaching zero malaria prevalence is not the end of malaria for each country or region. Reintroduction is a threat, e.g. after reduced funding of the Global Malaria Eradication Program (GMEP) malaria remerged in Sri Lanka (1968-69), Madagascar (1986-1988), Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Turkey.
