



Malaria and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Our work explores how malaria dynamics in populations are key to implementing effective public health control measures.
Group Heads
About
Our group centres on malaria immuno-epidemiology. We focus on developing and utilising immunological biomarkers for vaccine trials and disease surveillance, and we evaluate the impact of interventions for malaria. We also collaborate with national research institutes on population studies in malaria-endemic countries such as Kenya, Papua New Guinea and Thailand.
We focus on evaluating the impact of population immunity on the efficacy of malaria interventions.
We also analyse the impact of intervention programs on host immunity and patterns of disease.
We aim to:
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develop sero-markers for population studies
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define malaria exposure and transmission intensity.
Another core aim is to understand the dynamics of naturally acquired immunity in children and pregnant women and how they relate to patterns of disease.
Current projects
View 6 moreAssessing the best way to deploy measles rapid diagnostic tests in Ethiopia
This project aims to deploy and evaluate new rapid diagnostic testing strategies for measles in Ethiopia.
Antibody biomarkers of pathogen and vector exposure for improved malaria surveillance
This project focuses on antibody responses to monitor ongoing transmission of malaria and malaria interventions.

HMHB: The impact of nutrition and infections on health for pregnant women and young children
In resource-poor regions, pregnant women experience high malaria rates, undernutrition and sexually transmitted infections. These can lead to maternal morbidity, mortality and in infants low birth weight and stunting.
Past projects
Integrating molecular and serological detection of malaria into national surveillance systems
We're aiming for accurate surveillance of subclinical infections to help achieve the malaria elimination goals of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Optimising malaria surveillance and response strategies to achieve elimination
Our research includes a formative assessment of current approaches and systems for malaria surveillance and response in the Greater Subregion of Southeast Asia.
Preventing malaria transmission in high-risk populations
The aim of this research is to help reduce malaria transmission in populations at high risk of malaria transmission.
Featured publications
Human antibodies against Anopheles salivary proteins: emerging biomarkers of mosquito and malaria exposure
Trends in Parasitology
Ellen Kearney et al
Facilitators, barriers and acceptability of malaria reactive surveillance and response strategies in Vietnam: a mixed-methods study
BMJ Public Health
Nguyễn Xuân Thắng et al
Effectiveness of an expanded role for community health workers on malaria blood examination rates in malaria elimination settings in Myanmar: an open stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial
The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia
Win Han Oo et al
Comprehensive evaluation of malaria reactive surveillance and response strategies in Lao People’s Democratic Republic: a mixed-methods study
BMJ Open
Win Htike et al
Geospatial joint modeling of vector and parasite serology to microstratify malaria transmission
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Ellen Kearney et al
Performance and feasibility of reactive surveillance and response strategies for malaria elimination in Vietnam: a mixed-methods study
Malaria Journal
Win Han Oo et al
Quantifying differences in iron deficiency-attributable anemia during pregnancy and postpartum
Cell Reports Medicine
Eliza M. Davidson et al
Anopheles diversity, biting behaviour and transmission potential in forest and farm environments of Gia Lai province, Vietnam
Malaria Journal
Nguyen Van Dung et al
Resources
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ACREME Master Map
The Australian Centre of Research Excellence in Malaria Elimination Modern Acceleration Strategies for Eradication of Malaria in the Asia-Pacific addresses barriers in malaria elimination.
Website
Group contacts
Main contacts

Professor Freya J.I. Fowkes
Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Group members

Dr Daniela da Silva Goncalves
Laboratory Manager

Dr Ellen Kearney
Honorary Research Fellow

Professor Freya J.I. Fowkes
Deputy Program Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health; Head, Malaria and Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Dr Win Han Oo
Honorary Senior Research Fellow

Dr Win Htike
Senior Program Manager (Health Security & Malaria) and PhD student
