• The Challenge
• The Containment Project
• Project Achievements
• The Partners & their Roles

The Containment Project

The World Heath Organization (WHO), the Cambodian and Thai National Malaria Programmes, Malaria Consortium, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Research Unit (MORU), Center of Excellence for Biomedical and Public Health Informatics (BIOPHICS) and Institut Pasteur Cambodia (IPC) have received a two-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the containment of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in south-east Asia.  This project is a key contribution to a broader response by many organizations, supported especially by national Ministries of Health, US Agency for International Development and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to prevent emergence and spread of drug resistance in the region.

The goal of the project is to contain  the spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites. This will be achieved by detecting all malaria cases in the target areas and preventing transmission by ensuring effective prevention and treatment. Preventive methods such as the distribution and use of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), including long lasting insecticidal hammock nets (LLIHNs) for mobile and migrant populations, will be increased to reach every individual in the target areas.  The use of treatment to prevent transmission includes finding and treating confirmed cases early with effective drugs before development of the later, sexual stages of the parasite(gametocytes), which are responsible for transmission, as well as using drugs against the gametocytes.

There is a strong emphasis on improving surveillance systems and active case finding, particularly among mobile and migrant populations who are likely to be key agents in the spread of artemisinin-resistant malaria. The ban on the sale of monotherapies, removing counterfeit drugs and preventing inappropriate treatment in the private sector together aim to curb the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance. Other strategies such as comprehensive behaviour change communication, community mobilisation and advocacy are also supporting the containment/elimination of artemisinin-resistant parasites.

The project is undertaking basic and operational research to fill knowledge gaps and ensure that strategies applied are evidence-based. Malaria Consortium has the principal role of monitoring and evaluation and providing technical support for surveillance, behaviour change communications and coordination to ensure rapid and high quality implementation of the strategy.

Elimination of resistant parasites will not be accomplished in two years, so it is very important that longer-term funding is secured for the momentum to be sustained.

To find out more about the project, please read our Project Brief.