Technical consultation on control of zoonotic malaria: meeting report, Geneva, Switzerland, 5–7 November 2024

Overview

This publication summarizes the outcomes of a technical consultation on the control of zoonotic malaria. The meeting brought together national malaria programme managers from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, along with members of the Malaria Policy Advisory Group, the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification and research experts. Discussions focused on the epidemiological situation of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria; current practices in diagnosis, treatment and vector control; implications for malaria elimination certification; and priority research. The objectives were to review the epidemiological and programmatic challenges associated with P. knowlesi malaria; identify interventions that have proven effective and could be strengthened or expanded; define research questions for developing effective strategies to reduce transmission risk and achieve zero malaria deaths; and determine where WHO guidance and support are needed.

The consultation concluded that coordinated efforts are urgently required as the burden of P. knowlesi increases. Participants agreed that effective control will depend on intersectoral collaboration and strong community engagement. Next steps include priority research to inform WHO guidelines on P. knowlesi control and continued work by a WHO on certification challenges related to zoonotic transmission.