[Malaria in South Africa: past, present and perspectives]

This paper outlines a brief historical perspective on malaria which is considered essential to an understanding of the gains made in the control of the disease, followed by an emphasis on the fact that control is a dynamic process requiring research back-up, private and public sector and national and international collaboration. Malaria control is based on scientific principles and ongoing success requires continual research input, government commitment to control of the disease and appropriately skilled and trained personnel. This overview cannot do justice to malaria control and research in South Africa in its entirety, but looks at some of the major factors facing malaria control that have motivated the Medical Research Council's research initiative, which includes vector and parasite research, the use of geographical information systems and the epidemiology of the disease, with a view to sustaining control in the future.