In advance of World Malaria Malaria Day, ASTMH asked some of our malaria expert members and colleagues to reflect on the global fight against the disease and to peer into their crystal balls and let us know what might be on the horizon. Other interviews in this series include: Admiral Tim Ziemer of the President's Malaria Initiative, ASTMH Councilor Laurence Slutsker of the CDC, Judith E. Epstein of the Naval Medical Research Center, Kent Kester of Sanofi Pasteur and Science Consultant Jessica Taaffe.
Alan J. Magill, MD, FASTMH, ASTMH President
Why are you drawn to malaria research?
Every aspect of malaria, its history, biology, pathophysiology, ecology, and clinical management is endlessly fascinating for me. I became interested in malaria early in life as part of a greater interest in parasitology. Once I understood that malaria is a completely preventable, treatable, and eradicable disease, I could not understand why it caused so much suffering globally. I am committed to end this inequality.
As we approach World Malaria Day, what is the biggest challenge with this disease?
The biggest biologic challenge in malaria is the emergence of drug and insecticide resistance. Loss of pyrethroids or artemisinin will have a severely negative effect on future efforts to maintain the gains of the past decade. The biggest resource challenge is maintain the significant levels of investment from the major donor countries to the Global Fund and the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). This will require political will and commitment at all levels and in all countries.
Where do you see the most promise?
Many African countries have made significant progress in the past decade and have seen what life can be like without children dying from malaria. They don’t want to go back in time. I see great promise in a new generation of African scientists, physicians, political leaders, and community leaders who will lead in the elimination of malaria from Africa. There is also a robust and very promising pipeline of new drug, vaccine, and vector interventions. Many of these new products will come to market in the next 5-10 years. I also sense that many now see malaria as a complex ecosystem of human – parasite – mosquito interactions and that viewing malaria this way opens up many new and innovative approaches to control and eventual eradication of the parasite.