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Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN)
As the first major effort of its kind, the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN) was established in 2009 to bring attention and support to the under-appreciated and little-known work of malaria elimination in Asia Pacific, with a particular focus on Plasmodium vivax. APMEN is composed of ten Asia Pacific countries that are pursing malaria elimination, as well leaders and experts from key multilateral and academic agencies. The mission of this diverse but cohesive Network is to collaboratively address the unique challenges of malaria elimination in the Region through leadership, advocacy, capacity building, knowledge exchange, and building of the evidence base. 
Of the 39 countries in the world embarking on elimination, ten are located in the Asia Pacific Region, constituting the inaugural APMEN member countries (shown in blue): Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Philippines, the Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Vanuatu. In the 1960s and 70s, several countries in the Asia Pacific Region achieved, and have since maintained, malaria free status: Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. But malaria remained and remains a major problem for large parts of the Region. Fortunately, the last decade has seen a renewed commitment for malaria control. As a result of intensified efforts and improving socioeconomic conditions, many countries in the Asia Pacific Region have made great strides and are now moving toward elimination. However, elimination requires a different strategy than sustained control. Furthermore, the Asia Pacific Region has the unique challenges of having a high proportion of Plasmodium vivax infections, and the persistent liver stage makes P. vivax less vulnerable than P. falciparum to elimination efforts. Given the limited venues for Asia Pacific countries and institutions to interact on issues pertaining to malaria elimination, the concept for APMEN was catalyzed. Development of the Network took place in 2008 through the leadership of the UCSF Global Health Group (GHG), directed by Sir Richard Feachem, in partnership with the School of Population Health, University of Queensland (SPH/UQ), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and in close collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The announcement of the inaugural meeting was made by Australian Prime Minster Kevin Rudd at the September 2008 United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Inaugural Meeting From February 8th to 11th, leaders from countries aiming to eliminate malaria, and key multilateral and academic agencies, met in Brisbane, Australia to launch the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN). Meeting participants shared successes and challenges, and set forth a work plan that focuses on regional cooperation, advocacy, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the development of an evidence base for malaria elimination in the region. The meeting was co-hosted by GHG in partnership with SPH/UQ, AusAID, and in close collaboration with WHO. The Australian government’s commitment to the Network was underscored in the opening address given by Bob McMullan, Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance. 
Selected APMEN Inaugural Meeting media coverage:
Full listing of APMEN Inaugural Meeting media coverage For further questions, please contact The Global Health Group – Malaria Elimination Initiative |
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