Development of Malaria Digital Archives in Myanmar Through Official Development Assistance and Their Narrative Review

Abstract

The Myanmar government aims to eliminate malaria by 2030, but comprehensive summaries of its malaria control efforts are scarce. To support this goal, a literature review and long-term document preservation are essential. This study collected academic papers, master’s and doctoral theses, and policy documents on malaria control in Myanmar and its surrounding regions, published between 1950 and 2016 through Official Development Assistance. The documents were sourced from online databases, medical universities, and research institutions in Yangon. They were categorized by region and WHO-defined malaria control activity areas and archived digitally at the Ministry of Health. A total of 1107 relevant papers were identified, with 818 collected. Epidemiology-related studies accounted for 40%, followed by drug resistance, surveillance, and treatment. Recent years have seen a rise in genetic and molecular epidemiology research. Full-text analysis revealed significant malaria research in border regions, particularly near the borders of Thailand and China. This study highlights the progress and historical trends in Myanmar’s efforts to control malaria. The archive created will be a valuable resource for future policy planning and implementation efforts aimed at achieving malaria elimination.