China's 1-3-7 approach to malaria elimination surveillance and response

As malaria programs shift from malaria control to elimination, increased focus on surveillance is crucial to identify and respond to remaining cases. In a new study published in PLOS Medicine, "Communicating and Monitoring Surveillance and Response Activities for Malaria Elimination: China's "1-3-7" Strategy", researchers from the UCSF Global Health Group and country partners from China document China's approach to reporting and responding to identified cases, using a the 1-3-7 approach. The 1-3-7 strategy calls for the rapid reporting of malaria cases within one day, confirmation and case investigation within three days, and a follow-up response within seven days. Especially for low endemic areas, this approach provides a measurable framework for programs to delineate roles and timeframes for efficient surveillance and response as they progress toward elimination.