Novel tools and approaches for malaria elimination

Malaria elimination/ eradication is a global commitment that is achievable but which will require the development of novel tools and approaches. This project will include engaging with local communities and stakeholders in malaria-endemic countries to understand practical challenges and needs. It will involve establishing new diagnostic and surveillance tools so that hotspots of transmission can be identified in real-time, and therefore enable targeted responses to the areas and people that are most in need. This will include establishing high-precision geospatial mapping and spatial decision support systems that can guide interventions and monitor the effectiveness of responses. This will include operational research into the deployment of novel diagnostic tools and into the use of new public health approaches. It will focus on malaria elimination activities in the Asia-Pacific but will also seek to broaden these approaches to bring health benefits for a range of other infectious diseases (e.g. vaccine-preventable diseases, blood-borne viruses, other vector-borne diseases). These projects can be tailored to specific student interests.