Partners' Update October 2021

Dear Partners,

‍

In spite of all the challenges, 2021 has also been moving strength to strength in our malaria elimination journey. This quarter saw the historic WHO endorsement of the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS, S/AS01 that provides crucial protection against malaria in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The news is a significant step forward for the malaria and scientific community, particularly for areas of high transmission and among difficult to reach vulnerable populations. The vaccine is a major step forward on our road to elimination.

‍

While the excitement of the vaccine is duly warranted, we must not forget the proven tools and methods – strong surveillance, case management, vector control, and antimalarials – that have helped us eliminate malaria in over40 countries in the world. New tools and interventions must be deployed strategically in combination with what we know works. The vaccine has wonderful potential to be of great help; hopefully, more science will emerge to understand its potential impact on P. vivax.

‍

We have also witnessed immense strength and resilience in the region, through the cohesive collaboration of all stakeholders in battling both malaria and COVID-19. While much of what we hear may say otherwise, we see tangible evidence of robust collaboration across borders in Asia Pacific to address malaria and other public health challenges.

‍

In this spirit, I am delighted to announce that, APLMA-APMEN is co-hosting with the Royal Government of Bhutan the Asia Pacific Leaders Dialogue for Malaria Elimination. This forum seeks to address key issues for the region to collaboratively tackle malaria and other diseases through the lens of strengthening national health systems and improving regional health security. We will share with you an invitation in the next coming weeks. We hope you could join us.

‍

We are privileged to continue supporting the regional cooperation that shapes the future of our malaria fight.

‍

Best wishes,

Dr Sarthak Das, DrPH

CEO, Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance

Save the Date: Asia Pacific Leaders Dialogue for Malaria Elimination

The Royal Government of Bhutan in partnership with APLMA and APMEN is co-hosting a leaders’ dialogue to accelerate regional collaboration to end malaria and protect regional health security.

The Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance and Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network Welcome Breakthrough Milestone for Malaria

The innovation is a significant step forward for the global malaria community and a welcome springboard for next-generation innovations in Asia Pacific’s pursuit to be malaria-free by 2030.

APLMA Thanks Outgoing Chair and Welcomes New Board and Secretariat Members

APLMA is delighted to welcome Lady Roslyn Morauta and Dr Hsu Li Yang to the APLMA Board of Directors. Prof Tikki Pangestu will step down as Board Chair. His guidance over the past 5 years have been invaluable. The Secretariat wishes him the best in his future endeavors. The APLMA Secretariat also recently welcomed Drew McCracken as the Senior Director of Government Relations and Policy.

APPS Special Issue: Malaria Elimination in the Asia‐Pacific

Check out the latest issue of the Asia Pacific and Policy Studies which provides critical insights and evidence in key areas of regional malaria elimination. From reaching hard-to-reach populations, the adequate treatment of P. vivax to examining donor support.