Research challenges and gaps in malaria knowledge in Papua New Guinea

Taking into consideration the relative number of people living in Papua New Guinea the burden of malaria in this country is among the highest in Asia and the Pacific region. This article summarizes the research questions and challenges being undertaken by the Southwest Pacific International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research in the context of the epidemiology, transmission and pathogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax at the present time and the recent past. It is hoped that the research accomplished and local infrastructure strengthened by this effort will help inform regional and national policy with regard to the control and ultimately elimination of malaria in this region of the world.

Graphical abstractPlasmodium falciparum and vivax are co-endemic in Papua New Guinea. The SW Pacific International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research will conduct field research in order to evaluate how public health interventions impact vector transmission and naturally acquired immunity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide