The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued an urgent call for governments, health agencies and the private sector to strengthen cooperation to address the stagnation in malaria control. In this global health initiative, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), such as MAL-PF, MAL-PF/PAN and MAL-PF/PV, have been identified as core tools for implementing the “test-treat-trace” strategy.
Global Malaria Control Faces Challenges
According to the WHO’s World Malaria Report 2023, the global malaria burden remains heavy, with an estimated 249 million cases in 2022, an increase from the previous year. Africa remains the region with the heaviest malaria burden, accounting for 95% of global cases and 96% of deaths. The Director of the WHO Global Malaria Program said: “We face multiple challenges, including the emergence of drug-resistant malarial parasites, the expansion of the range of disease vectors due to climate change, and the fragility of health systems after the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop, high-quality malaria diagnosis is more important than ever.”
The Central Role of Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Early and accurate diagnosis is a critical first step in a comprehensive strategy to eliminate malaria. WHO particularly emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnostic tests, such as:
- - MAL-PF (Plasmodium falciparum test): specifically targets the most deadly Plasmodium falciparum* and provides reliable results within 15 minutes.
- - MAL-PF/PAN (Plasmodium falciparum/Pan-species test): can detect Plasmodium falciparum* and other malaria species at the same time, providing a basis for diagnosis of mixed infections.
- - MAL-PF/PV (Plasmodium falciparum/Plasmodium vivax test): is particularly useful in areas where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax coexist, supporting precise treatment decisions.
“These rapid tests are our most powerful tools at the grassroots level,” said a WHO diagnostic expert. They do not require complex equipment or long-term training and can be effectively deployed in remote areas, refugee camps and conflict zones to ensure that every suspected case is diagnosed in a timely manner.
Technical Advantages and Quality Control
The WHO prequalified MAL rapid diagnostic test kits have significant advantages:
1. High sensitivity and specificity: can detect infections as low as 100-200 parasites/μL, and the results are highly consistent with microscopic detection.
2. Strong thermal stability: most products can remain stable for 24 months at 30°C, suitable for tropical climates.
3. Easy to operate: only three steps are required for accurate operation, with minimal training.
4. Multiple detection: some models can detect multiple malaria species and antigens (such as HRP-2, pLDH) at the same time.
WHO regularly evaluates the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic test kits on the market. The latest evaluation report shows that the MAL products that meet the standards have performed well in field use, especially in the hot and humid environments of Africa.
Innovation Directions to Address Challenges
Despite significant progress, WHO urges manufacturers to focus on the following innovations:
- Enhanced MAL tests: Improved detection of emerging pathogens such as Plasmodium knowlesi.
- Digital interpretation systems: Mobile applications that minimize subjective errors in visual readings.
- Combination tests: Multiplex diagnostics for malaria and other febrile illnesses.
- Eco-friendly packaging: Reducing plastic waste and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“We encourage diagnostic device manufacturers to continue to innovate. In particular, optimize products for vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women, and develop tests that are more suitable for extreme climates,” said a WHO technical official.
Corporate Commitment and Action
As a professional malaria diagnostic product supplier, we actively respond to the WHO’s call as follows:
- Ensure quality: All MAL rapid test products strictly comply with WHO performance standards and are regularly evaluated.
- Expand production: Scale up production to meet global demand, especially in high-burden countries.
- Provide technical support: Provide comprehensive training and quality control guidance to partners.
- Invest in R&D: Continuously optimize existing products and develop next-generation solutions.
WHO’s Director-General recently emphasized: “The private sector—especially diagnostic manufacturers—plays an irreplaceable role in malaria elimination. We commend companies that continue investing in innovative diagnostic technologies, as their products are saving countless lives.”
Moving Toward a Malaria-Free Future
To achieve the goals of the 2030 Global Malaria Technical Strategy, WHO urges immediate action:
- Strengthen diagnostic capacity at primary health care facilities.
- Ensure that all suspected cases receive quality-assured testing.
- Build a stronger malaria surveillance and response system.
- Increase investment in diagnostic R&D and procurement.
We firmly believe that through stronger global partnerships and the widespread use of high-quality diagnostic methods like MAL-PF,MAL-PF/PV,MAL-PF/PAN, humanity will eventually win this long-term battle against malaria. Our company will continue to work closely with WHO and malaria programs in various countries to provide the most reliable diagnostic support for global malaria elimination efforts.
Post time: Jun-04-2025