Dialogue held to discuss innovative solutions to malaria in the Asia Pacific region

In the context of Malaria Week 2020, organized by the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance from September 7 to 11, a dialogue was held on harnessing innovation to accelerate malaria elimination and strengthen health security.

Speakers described the current epidemiological landscape in the Asia Pacific region with regards to malaria, and in particular to the P. vivax parasite, the most frequent cause of recurring malaria. They also introduced new and innovative treatment regimens and testing methods which could help make headway against the disease, as well as the regulatory reforms that would be needed to expedite their use in a safe and ethical manner.

Participants highlighted that new technologies are essential to stay ahead of the disease, but they will only be effective if supply chains can be consistently maintained, if community education and buy-in are promoted, and if monitoring and data gathering operations continue apace. A recording of the dialogues will be made available here shortly.