The challenges of malaria elimination in the Asia–Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific region faces significant challenges in eliminating malaria. More than 2 billion people are at risk of malaria, with multiple species of the parasite and various vectors transmitting the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA) are working towards malaria elimination by 2030, with Australia providing financial and technical support. However, progress has been variable, and recent factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and armed conflict have hindered efforts. Challenges include the need for more sensitive tools to detect malaria, the inadequacy of current prevention methods, drug resistance, and the complexity of treating P. vivax infections. To achieve malaria elimination, innovative tools and strategies must be developed and implemented, with collaboration, community engagement, and political commitment. [Extracted from the article]