Receptivity to malaria: meaning and measurement

Area of Science:

• * Epidemiology and Public Health
• * Infectious Disease Dynamics

Background:

• * The concept of malaria receptivity, crucial for understanding transmission potential, originated during the Global Malaria Eradication Programme (GMEP).
• * Despite its importance in malaria control, planning for elimination, and prevention of re-establishment (POR), a consistent, quantitative definition and measurement of malaria receptivity remain elusive.
• * The construct has been defined inconsistently over decades, lacking a standardized approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To examine current advances in the measurement of malaria receptivity.
• * To underscore the renewed relevance of understanding and quantifying malaria receptivity in the context of declining global transmission and increasing malaria elimination efforts.

Main Methods:

• * Review of existing literature and methodologies for assessing malaria receptivity.
• * Analysis of the evolution of the malaria receptivity concept.
• * Exploration of measurement challenges and advancements.

Main Results:

• * Significant variability exists in the definitions and measurement approaches for malaria receptivity.
• * Despite definitional challenges, the concept remains influential in malaria control decision-making.
• * Advances in measurement are emerging, driven by the need for precise tools in elimination and prevention of re-establishment phases.

Conclusions:

• * Standardized, quantitative measurement of malaria receptivity is needed.
• * Improved understanding and measurement of malaria receptivity are essential for successful malaria elimination and preventing resurgence.
• * The study highlights the critical need for updated methodologies to address contemporary malaria control challenges.