Malaria Policy Advisory Committee meeting report (April 2018)

Overview

On 11–13 April 2018, the WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) convened to review updates and progress, and provide guidance with respect to specific thematic areas of work carried out by the Global Malaria Programme.

The meeting included 8 sessions focused on 15 topics: (1) an update on the guidelines for malaria prevention through vector control; (2) an update on the Mekong malaria elimination programme; (3) an update on the Malaria Elimination Certification Panel and Oversight Committee; (4) a proposed Evidence Review Group on determining non-inferiority of insecticide-treated net and indoor residual spraying products within an established class; (5) an update on key developments associated with the evaluation process for vector control tools; (6) a proposed Technical Consultation on research requirements to support WHO policy on highly sensitive malaria diagnostic tests; (7) a proposed Evidence Review Group on malaria control in humanitarian emergencies; (8) a proposed Evidence Review Group on assessment of malariogenic potential to inform elimination strategies and prevent re-establishment of transmission; (9) an update on the Evidence Review Group on malaria mortality estimates; (10) a proposed Evidence Review Group on mass drug administration in areas of moderate transmission and complex emergencies; (11) an update on the malaria capacity building initiative; (12) an update on the RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme and framework for decision-making; (13) an update on the Strategic Advisory Group on malaria eradication; (14) an update on a Technical Consultation on universal access to core malaria interventions in high-burden countries; and (15) a discussion on the "10 + 1" initiative among high-burden countries.