In honor of World Malaria Day, ASTMH asked some of our malaria expert members and colleagues what inspired them to specialize in malaria, what stands out in the fight against malaria and what will be the economic benefit of a malaria-free world. Other interviews in this series include: Past President Christopher V. Plowe, MD, MPH, FASTMH; Rear Adm. Timothy Ziemer of the President's Malaria Initiative; Philip Rosenthal, MD, FASTMH, Editor-in-Chief of American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene; Councilors Nicole Achee, PhD, ASTMH, David A. Fidock, PhD, Rick Fairhurst, MD, PhD, FASTMH; Stephanie Yanow, PhD, Assistant Scientific Program Chair; Capt. Judith E. Epstein, MD, of the Naval Medical Research Center; and Col. Robert M. Paris of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
What situation or person inspired you to specialize in malaria?
I came into malaria at CDC as a rookie in 1987, my prior “global” experience consisting of several tourist trips to Central America and Canada. At CDC, I was introduced to a fascinating, highly motivated and charismatic group that convinced me that my naiveté should be no obstacle to making a contribution. Kent Campbell, MD, MPH, FASTMH (ASTMH President 2007), and the late Bill Collins, PhD (a member for 52 years), taught me the history and the biology, Rick Steketee, MD, MPH (Councilor 2008 - 20012), mentored me in the field, and Alan Greenberg, MD, Hans Lobel, MD, and Phuc Nguyen-Dinh, MD – to name a few – taught me the nuances of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of clinical malaria. The experience was transformative. Nearly three decades later my fascination and dedication to malaria remain.
Saving lives is what drives you, but what do you see as the economic benefit to eradicating malaria?
It is difficult to quantify precisely, but if we accept that it would take more than $100 billion over two to three decades to rid the world of malaria – or even two to three times that amount – it seems absolutely clear that the payoff down the road – tens of millions of lives saved, economic investment and development opportunities enhanced, and health systems strengthened – are invaluable payoffs that far exceed the eradication investment.
In thinking about malaria control and elimination efforts in the last five years, what stands out most for you?
Two immediately come to mind: First, the progress achieved in intervention coverage resulting in dramatic morbidity and mortality reduction. Second, although yet to be certified, the achievement in Sri Lanka of malaria elimination in a highly receptive environment and in the midst of civil unrest. Both achievements are remarkable and give reason to redouble our efforts and investment.