Table 1 Objectives for the Project on Mapping Malaria in Bangladesh

1.

Define the rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria in the study area.

2.

Define risk factors for malaria (symptomatic asymptomatic infection) using both active and passive surveillance.

3.

Establish a demographic surveillance system including a geographic information system as resources for future malaria epidemiologic studies

4.

Understand the changing knowledge attitude and practices regarding malaria, its prevention and treatment among persons in the study area and among health care providers.

5.

Validate diagnostic methods (microscopic examination and rapid diagnostic tests) with PCR as the gold standard.

6.

Understand the epidemiological patterns of gametocyte prevalence as this relates to transmission of malaria.

7.

Define the vectors which transmit malaria in this area.