On June 30, 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified China as malaria-free. Achieving this amazing status highlights the country’s success and the importance of strategic planning and adaptability in facing challenges. These include drug resistance, changing weather patterns and the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this success, China could serve as an example for Africa, where malaria remains a significant challenge that claims more than 600,000 lives annually.

The 1-3-7 Strategy: The Key to Success

One of the cornerstone strategies in China’s malaria elimination was the 1-3-7 surveillance method. The efficient system requires reporting any confirmed malaria case within one day, then investigating within three days and responding within seven days. This rapid detection and response model was integral to China’s ability to control and eliminate malaria.

Real-time data-sharing technology is further enhanced using this method, according to The Lancet. The country also provided monetary incentives to health care workers to encourage timely reporting in some regions. The Gates Foundation recognized the 1-3-7 approach as a model for other countries with malaria breakouts.

Additional Steps to China’s Success

On top of the 1-3-7 strategy implemented to tackle China’s malaria elimination, the country also developed innovative genetic-based approaches by studying parasite populations. Scientists noticed that there is an ideal stage to intervene when it comes to intracellular parasites, this is when they decide to either continue multiples or be transmitted through a mosquito. This is because only a few parasites turn into gametocytes which is required for the transmission. China used strategies like insecticide spraying and mosquito breeding ground elimination.

Furthermore, China also turned its attention to the surveillance of drug resistance. A similar approach could help reduce malaria transmission rates in Africa. WHO recommends frequent efficacy studies to monitor the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs, according to the International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS (IJMA). China also partnered with international research institutes such as Harvard University where it used advanced genomic tools to study and predict malaria parasite movements.

China’s Leadership

China’s success in eliminating malaria shows the need for strong government leadership and cross-sectoral collaboration. Starting in the 1940s, when China was reporting 30 million cases of Malaria annually, the country gradually reduced its malaria through a series of national plans and partnerships with other nations. In 2010, it launched the National Action Plan for Malaria Elimination. This, combined WHO guidelines with China’s local strategies to achieve elimination.

During this time, China’s government committed over ￥1.38 billion towards malaria elimination efforts, according to BMJ Global Health. This robust financial backing, combined with scientific research, allowed China to upscale its interventions. The discovery of artemisinin is one of the most notable contributions from Chinese research, according to The Gates Foundation. These advances played a key role in China’s success and remain crucial tools in global malaria control efforts.

Future Prospects: China’s Lessons for Africa

This amazing achievement could help African nations achieve malaria-free status. By creating multi-sector collaborations and adapting the 1-3-7 strategy they can unite in the fight against malaria. Furthermore, adapting China’s genetics-based approach could strengthen these efforts.

Additionally, community engagement could be key to success. Educating communities about malaria prevention and involving local leaders in control measures could help ensure these efforts. With the right combination of financial investment and government action, African nations can make significant progress towards reducing malaria. China’s malaria-free certification is not just a victory for China but also a beacon of hope for the global fight against malaria.

– Ellisha Hicken

Ellisha is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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