No single magic bullet: the case for combined interventions for global malaria elimination and eradication

The past 6 decades have witnessed steady progress in malaria control, resulting in marked reductions in disease burden across many endemic regions. However, the pace of malaria elimination has remained slow, hindered by numerous biological, clinical, and epidemiological challenges. Innovative integrated approaches are required for a sustainable response to this persistent global health threat. Because malaria transmission and parasite biology are complex, combining antimalarial drugs, vector control measures, and vaccines offers the best chance of achieving long-term malaria elimination. This review examines emerging malaria control and elimination tools, including next-generation insecticides, novel antimalarial drug classes, and mRNA-based vaccines. We discuss how they can be strategically integrated to enhance intervention effectiveness, interrupt transmission, and accelerate progress toward malaria elimination and eradication.