China’s malaria-free status offers crucial lessons for other areas

China’s achievement of becoming malaria-free in 2021 serves as a beacon of hope for the global fight against this deadly disease. A special collection of articles published by The BMJ highlights the success of China’s national strategy in eliminating malaria and offers valuable insights for other countries striving to do the same.

The collection delves into China’s approach to malaria elimination, with case studies from provinces like Hainan and Yunnan, as well as the Huai River Basin. The evolution of interventions such as bed nets, indoor spraying, drug administration, and surveillance played a pivotal role in the country’s journey towards eradication.

Experts emphasize the importance of sustained funding for malaria control and warn against the potential repercussions of funding cuts, particularly in light of recent policy changes affecting global health initiatives. They stress that a decline in funding could reverse the progress made over the past two decades and lead to a resurgence of malaria cases and deaths.

Lessons learned from China’s experience include the need for long-term, flexible strategies that adapt to changing risk levels, the dangers of complacency leading to resurgence, and the importance of cross-border collaboration and real-time data sharing. The collection also underscores the necessity of innovative financing approaches led by national governments and partnerships with regional banks.

As countries in Africa and elsewhere continue their efforts towards malaria control and elimination, the success of China in achieving malaria-free status serves as a reminder of the challenges and rewards of this public health endeavor. The collection offers timely insights for policymakers, implementers, and funders on how to translate lessons from China’s success into actionable strategies for the future.

In conclusion, China’s malaria-free status is not just a triumph but a call to action for the global community. By learning from China’s journey and implementing evidence-based strategies, countries can work towards eliminating malaria and creating a healthier future for all. The BMJ’s collection provides a roadmap for countries to follow in the footsteps of China and achieve similar success in the fight against malaria.