Further evidence needed to change policy for the safe and effective radical cure of vivax malaria: Insights from the 2019 annual APMEN Vivax Working Group meeting. Issue 2 (12th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ruwanpura, Varunika Sonani Hapuwatte; Nowak, Spike; Gerth‐Guyette, Emily; Theodora, Minerva; Dysoley, Lek; Haile, Mebratom; Peeters Grietens, Koen; Price, Ric Norman; Lynch, Caroline Anita; Thriemer, Kamala
• Other Names: Lin Vivian guestEditor.; Pangestu Tikki guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Asia & the Pacific policy studies. Volume 8:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2021-01-12
• Subjects: Asia Pacific -- evidence gaps -- malaria elimination -- malaria health policy -- Plasmodium vivax malaria -- policy implementation -- radical cure; Policy sciences -- Asia -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Policy sciences -- Australia -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Asia -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Australia -- Periodicals; 320.6095
• DOI: 10.1002/app5.314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-2680

Abstract

Abstract: New diagnostics and treatment options for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria are now available. At the 2019 annual meeting of the Vivax Working Group of the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network, participants took part in a roundtable discussion to identify further evidence required to introduce these new tools into policy and practice. Key gaps identified were accuracy and reliability of glucose‐6‐phosphate‐dehydrogenase deficiency tests, health system capacity, and feasibility and cost effectiveness of novel treatment strategies in routine clinical practice. As expected, there were differences in the priorities between country partners and researcher partners. To achieve the 2030 target for the regional elimination of malaria, evidence to address these issues should be generated as a matter of priority. Review of global guidelines alongside locally generated data will help to ensure the timely revision and optimisation of national treatment guidelines that will be vital to meet regional elimination goals.