Table 1 Specific research areas identified, by thematic area
Thematic area | Research areas |
|---|---|
Malaria epidemiology, surveillance and response | Mapping of mobile migrant populations (MMPs) (malaria burden in MMPs; Information on MMP status for every case in the MIS; prophylaxis for malaria control in MMP) |
Improved case surveillance (case-based surveillance with GIS (low endemic settings); detailed malaria risk maps; Real time cross-border surveillance to be used by both the countries; follow up surveillance for directly observed therapy (DOT) adherence) | |
Malaria case management | Asymptomatic cases and active surveillance and treatment |
Feasibility of conducting DOTs for malaria cases | |
Use of microscopy as a primary method of laboratory confirmed diagnosis for malaria and establishment of a quality control program | |
Control of malaria vectors | Vector Mapping—Changing environment/Epidemiology/variation across the country requires research into vectors (changing biting patters, life-cycle, species, exo/endophilic, etc.) |
Insecticide resistance: research into potential pyrethroid resistance/insecticide efficacy | |
Bed net research—Good national coverage, but how effective are they, are they protecting the most at risk populations (mobile migrant workers); Sleeping behaviour of the net use net preference studies (hammocks, texture, colour) | |
Malaria behavioural issues | How Does DOT change behaviour of the patients? Adherence of DOTs |
Huge investments in DOTs—are they worth it? | |
How can we increase participatory village interventions? Active community involvement? | |
How can we increase the malaria education provided to patients by health facilities/village malaria workers (VMW)? | |
How best to communicate with MMPs/forest goers? | |
Malaria clinical studies | New ACTs drug efficacy, Artesunate + Pyronaridine |
First line treatment drug efficacy (Pf, Pv) | |
Safety of primaquine (G6PD Screening) | |
Other vector borne diseases (Dengue, NTDs and STHs) | Dengue/chikungunya surveillance and estimation of disease burden—lacking in adult and private sector |
To determine a sustainable, effective and ecologically safe vector control measure for dengue control | |
NTD surveillance and estimation of disease burden—lacking in private sector | |
NTD surveillance and vector control |