Control and elimination of Plasmodium vivax malaria – A technical brief

In the context of the recently endorsed Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, which sets the ambitious target of eliminating malaria from at least 35 countries by 2030, Plasmodium vivax presents a major challenge. In 2013, it was responsible for an estimated 16 million cases globally and nearly half of cases outside Africa.

This technical brief reviews the biological characteristics, geographical distribution and worldwide burden of P. vivax malaria. It describes the challenges and the strategies currently employed to control and eliminate P. vivax malaria, focusing on the following areas: vector control, chemoprevention, diagnosis of P. vivax infections and of G6PD deficiency, treatment, drug resistance and surveillance.

The technical brief also describes the innovations required to facilitate P. vivax elimination and highlights the need for international donors and governments to invest in additional measures to control, eliminate and prevent re-establishment of P. vivax.

"Confronting Plasmodium vivax malaria" is the advocacy companion of the technical brief. It examines why action on P. vivax is needed, the challenges the disease poses, what should be done against it and the resulting health and economic benefits of P. vivax control and elimination.