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 this group
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 5 moreDeveloping a novel assessment tool for entering the malaria elimination phase in the Greater Mekong Subregion
Countries in the Greater Mekong subregion of Southeast Asia have committed to eliminating malaria by 2030, but validated assessment tools are still lacking.
Malaria Synergy Program
The program brings together experts to achieve the goals of malaria elimination in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
Impact of declining transmission on immunity and risk of malaria rebound
We seek to quantify the impact of malaria control measures including the potential elimination on malaria immunity within communities.
Past projects
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.
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.
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.
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
Ashleigh Heng-Chin
PhD candidate
