WHO launches a new framework for malaria elimination

For the first time in 10 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published new policy guidance on malaria elimination. The 2017 Framework for malaria elimination provides countries with a set of tools and strategies for achieving and maintaining elimination. As an update to the 2007 Malaria elimination field manual, this document was developed through a broad, consultative process led by the WHO Global Malaria Programme and an independent Evidence Review Group.

Since 2007, WHO has issued a number of new malaria policy recommendations, as well as the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 (GTS), which was adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2015. A key target of the GTS is the elimination of malaria in at least 35 countries by 2030. The 2017 Framework is fully aligned with the GTS and addresses updates to policy and practice.

The Framework was launched at a recent global forum of malaria-eliminating countries, during which senior representatives from national malaria control programs gathered in Geneva to share knowledge and best practices towards a common goal: “getting to zero” by the year 2020. The global forum, convened by WHO from March 16-17, provided a platform to review country-level progress towards elimination and devise strategies for the way forward.

The following is a set of recommended interventions outlined in the Framework that can be deployed and enhanced as malaria transmission intensity is systematically reduced:

  • Enhancing and optimizing vector control and case management;
  • Increasing the sensitivity and specificity of surveillance;
  • Accelerating transmission reduction; and
  • Investigating and clearing individual cases.

For more on the Framework, read the key points and a Q&A with Dr Pedro Alonso, Director of the Global Malaria Programme (GMP), and Dr Gawrie Loku Galappaththy, a Medical Officer in GMP’s Elimination Unit.

Dr Alonso will lead three webinars on Monday, April 10th to provide an overview of the Framework and answer any questions from WHO colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders.

Details for accessing the webinar:

Malaria elimination framework (English)
Monday, April 10, 2017
10:00 am | Geneva |1 hour 30 minutes
When it's time, join the meeting

Malaria elimination framework (Spanish)
Monday, April 10, 2017
2:00 pm | Geneva |1 hour 30 minutes
When it's time, join the meeting

Malaria elimination framework (English)
Monday, April 10, 2017
4:00 pm | Geneva |1 hour 30 minutes
When it's time, join the meeting