The Role of Research in Viral Disease Eradication and Elimination Programs: Lessons for Malaria Eradication

Using their experiences from, and analysis of, global campaigns to eradicate smallpox, poliomyelitis, and measles, Myron Levine and colleagues derive lessons for malaria eradication

A comparison of the inherent salient features of smallpox, polio, measles, and malaria infections that favour or impede elimination of the disease and the most effective past and current interventions.

a<p><i>P. falciparum</i>, <i>P. vivax</i>, <i>P. malariae</i>, and <i>P. ovale</i> are restricted to human hosts. <i>P. knowlesi</i>, which mainly infects nonhuman primates, can also cause disease in humans following natural transmission.</p>b<p>However, the development of immunity against clinical disease follows repeated infections.</p><p>ACT, artemisinin combination therapy; IPTi, intermittent preventive treatment in infants; IPTp, intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy; IRS, indoor residual spraying; ITN, insecticide treated bednets.</p