Partners' Update October 2021

Dear Partners,

In spite of all the challenges, 2021 has also been movingstrength to strength in our malariaelimination journey. This quarter saw the historic WHO endorsement of theworld’s first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 that provides crucial protectionagainst malaria in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The news is asignificant step forward for the malaria and scientific community, particularlyfor areas ofhigh transmission and among difficult toreach vulnerable populations. The vaccine is a major step forward on our road to elimination.

While the excitement of the vaccine is duly warranted, we must notforget the proven tools and methods – strong surveillance, case management, vector control,and antimalarials – that have helped us eliminate malaria in over40 countries in the world. New tools and interventions must be deployedstrategically in combination with what we know works. The vaccine has wonderfulpotential to be of great help; hopefully,more science will emerge to understand its potential impact on P. vivax.

We have also witnessed immense strength and resilience in the region,through the cohesive collaboration of all stakeholders in battling both malariaand COVID-19. While much of what we hear may say otherwise, we see tangibleevidence of robust collaboration acrossborders in Asia Pacific to addressmalaria and other public health challenges.

In this spirit,I am delighted to announce that, APLMA-APMEN is co-hosting with the RoyalGovernment of Bhutan the Asia PacificLeaders Dialogue for Malaria Elimination. This forum seeks to address key issues for the region to collaborativelytackle malaria and other diseases through the lens of strengthening nationalhealth systems and improving regional health security. We will share with youan invitation in the next coming weeks. We hope you could join us.

We are privileged to continue supporting theregional cooperation that shapes the future of our malaria fight.

Best wishes,

Dr Sarthak Das, DrPH

CEO, Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance

Save the Date: Asia Pacific Leaders Dialogue for Malaria Elimination

TheRoyal Government of Bhutan in partnership with APLMA and APMEN is co-hosting a leaders’dialogue to accelerate regional collaboration to end malaria and protectregional health security.

The Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance and Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network Welcome Breakthrough Milestone for Malaria

The innovation is a significant step forward for the global malaria community and a welcome springboard for next-generation innovations in Asia Pacific’s pursuit to be malaria-free by 2030.

APLMA Thanks Outgoing Chair and Welcomes New Board and Secretariat Members

APLMA is delightedto welcomeLady Roslyn Morauta and Dr Hsu Li Yang to the APLMABoard of Directors. Prof Tikki Pangestu will step down as Board Chair. Hisguidance over the past 5 years have been invaluable. The Secretariat wishes himthe best in his future endeavours. TheAPLMA Secretariat also recently welcomed Drew McCracken as the Senior Director of Government Relations andPolicy.

APPS Special Issue: Malaria Elimination in the Asia‐Pacific

Check out the latest issue of the Asia Pacific and Policy Studies which provides critical insights and evidence in key areas of regional malaria elimination. From reaching hard-to-reach populations, the adequate treatment of P. vivax to examining donor support.