Imported malaria: Key messages in an era of elimination

Abstract

Despite concerted efforts to eliminate malaria, it remains a major global cause of morbidity and mortality with over 200 million annual cases. Significant gains have been made, with the annual global malaria incidence and mortality halving over the past twenty years, using tools such as long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and artemisinin-based therapies. Malaria is also a significant cause of life-threatening imported infection in the UK. It is vital for front line clinical staff involved in the assessment of acutely ill patients to be aware of the need for early diagnostic testing, malaria epidemiology, markers of severe infection and developments in antimalarial treatments to optimise patient management. The difference between a good and poor outcome is early diagnosis and treatment. Many of the challenges faced in the quest for global eradication, such as availability of appropriate diagnostic tests, and drug and insecticide resistance could also have future implications for imported malaria.