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A recent consultation called by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) brought together experts to discuss the malaria transmission risk in Europe and propose preventive actions.
The consultation, held in Stockholm on 17-18 January, aimed to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the Plasmodium vivax transmission potential in Europe, given the recent autochthonous cases in Greece, in order to recommend preparedness and response actions at EU and country level. Public health experts in vector-borne diseases, entomologists, epidemiologists, vector control experts as well as experts from WHO and the EU commission participated in the event.
During the first day a detailed overview of the latest knowledge on malaria transmission in Europe (focusing on Plasmodium vivax) was provided, including a review of the epidemiological situation and a risk assessment of local Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission. A discussion took place on the possible causes of the upsurge of malaria transmission in Greece during the last three years.
The second day of the meeting focused on recommendations for priority actions for preparedness, response and control in affected and potentially at risk countries in EU.
The development of an integrated preparedness and response plan for malaria was one of the recommendations of the assessment missions by ECDC and WHO in Greece in autumn 2011. The plan should cover all aspects from surveillance, clinical management, laboratory diagnosis, entomological surveillance, vector control and communication.
ECDC will evaluate the outcome of the meeting regarding the preparation of such plan: the prioritised preparedness and response actions for countries at risk and for the EU level, as well as the identified gaps and needs to develop the plan.
(Via ECDC - accessed 23/01/12)
