International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research for South Asia and Broader Malaria Research in India

Abstract

The Malaria Evolution in South Asia (MESA) International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) conducted research studies at multiple sites in India to record blood-slide positivity over time, but also to study broader aspects of the disease. From the Southwest of India (Goa) to the Northeast (Assam), the MESA-ICEMR invested in research equipment, operational capacity, and trained personnel to observe frequencies of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections, clinical presentations, treatment effectiveness, vector transmission, and reinfections. With Government of India partners, Indian and U.S. academics, and trained researchers on the ground, the MESA-ICEMR team contributes information on malaria in selected parts of India.

Figure 1.

Impact of major changes in treatment and control measures policies captured by Malaria Evolution in South Asia (MESA)–International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) sites between 2012 and 2021. Some of the recent Government of India National Malaria Control Program (GOI NMCP) policy initiatives, such as effect of environmental factors on malaria cases, have already been adopted and reported by MESA-ICEMR. AL = artemether–lumefantrine; API = Annual Parasite Index; APLMA = Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance; APMEN = Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network; AS = artesunate; GMC = Goa Medical College; ICMR = Indian Council of Medical Research; IMD = Indian Meteorological Department; IRS = indoor residual spraying; LLIN = long-lasting insecticide-treated net; NVBDCP = National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program; SP = sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine. This figure appears in color at www.ajtmh.org.