Implementation and success factors from Thailand's 1-3-7 surveillance strategy for malaria elimination

Abstract

Thailand's National Malaria Elimination Strategy 2017-2026 introduced the 1-3-7 strategy as a robust surveillance and response approach for elimination that would prioritize timely, evidence-based action. Under this strategy, cases are reported within 1 day, cases are investigated within 3 days, and foci are investigated and responded to within 7 days, building on Thailand's long history of conducting case investigation since the 1980s. However, the hallmark of the 1-3-7 strategy is timeliness, with strict deadlines for reporting and response to accelerate elimination. This paper outlines Thailand's experience adapting and implementing the 1-3-7 strategy, including success factors such as a cross-sectoral Steering Committee, participation in a collaborative regional partnership, and flexible local budgets. The programme continues to evolve to ensure prompt and high-quality case management, capacity maintenance, and adequate supply of lifesaving commodities based on surveillance data. Results from implementation suggest the 1-3-7 strategy has contributed to Thailand's decline in malaria burden; this experience may be useful for other countries aiming to eliminate malaria.

Keywords: 1-3-7 strategy; Elimination; Surveillance.

Fig. 1

Milestones from malaria control to malaria elimination. (Asterisk) Source: Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan for Thailand 2017–2026 [5]. API annual parasite incident, SPR slide positive rate

Fig. 2

Flowchart of malaria reporting. Source: DVBD [8], MOPH [17]

Fig. 3

1-3-7 dashboard in the MIS. Source: MIS database [8], DVBD, MOPH

Fig. 4

Weekly data report for Prachuab Khiri Khan in the MIS. Source: MIS database [8], DVBD, MOPH