Informing strategies for malaria eradication: a combined epidemiological and economics approach

The last decade has witnessed substantial declines in the global burden of malaria; however, in recent years progress has stalled.

We aim to combine a mathematical modelling framework with economic analyses to gain insight into the optimal global, regional and country strategies to achieve the ultimate aim of malaria eradication. Specifically: - What is the optimal strategy to achieve malaria eradication? Should resources initially focus on high burden countries, elimination countries or a balance between these?

How does this change as burden and transmission decline?

How do competing aims in the short-term (e.g. the need to reduce morbidity and mortality) hamper achieving longer-term eradication aims? - What is the trade-off between country priorities and regional and global strategies? How do competing national priorities determine regional and global success? What degree of international cooperation is needed and at what scale?

What are the economic benefits and costs of co-operation to countries? - How are strategies influenced by the wider political economy? How do competing priorities influencing national decision makers impact wider eradication efforts?

How does weak governance and political constraints in national and international decision-making reduce the effectiveness of strategies?