Informing strategies for malaria eradication: a combined epidemiological and economics approach

Malaria deaths have fallen by 60% since 2000 but just under half a million deaths continue to occur each year, mostly in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria is a preventable disease - we have tools such as bed nets to prevent infection and if quickly treated, deaths can be avoided. However, financial resources are limited. The aim of our research is to understand the optimal way to move towards eradicating this disease taking into account the distribution of the disease, the tools and funds available, and the way in which the wider political environment influences the decisions that individuals and governments make. To do this we will combine computer simulation models with economic and political theories to compare and contrast different strategies. By working closely with global public health agencies such as WHO and The Global Fund we expect that our work will inform future policies and funding allocations.