The overall goal of the Regional Artemisinin (RAI) programme is to contribute as much as possible to the elimination of falciparum malaria from the Greater Mekong Subregion, and to prevent the emergence or spread of artemisinin resistance to new areas. Areas with established artemisinin resistance (tier 1) and areas with significant inflows from tier 1 areas, including those immediately bordering tier 1 (tier 2) will be prioritised. Although elimination is the overall goal, targets for reduction in P. falciparum transmission in this 3-year plan will vary by region, dependent on local epidemiology and current levels of malaria control.
The RAI programme – funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis – will seek to accomplish this goal by (1) attaining universal coverage and usage of insecticide treated bed nets in targeted areas, (2) providing access to quality diagnosis, prevention and treatment,(3) halting the marketing and sale of oral artemisinin monotherapies in the private sector, and (4) establishing and operationalising a rigorous surveillance system.
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