MERA-India Secretariat
MERA-India Secretariat
The MERA-India Secretariat, established at ICMR-NIMR in October 2019, was created to support India’s goal of malaria elimination by 2030 with a sanctioned budget of ₹2.3 crore. This consortium unites researchers across ICMR and non-ICMR institutions to address key gaps in malaria research.
Key Activities and Achievements
1. First Research Call (2019)
Themes: Community behavior, low-density infections (LDI), and vector bionomics.
Proposals: 32 funded out of 180 submissions (23 multicenteric, 9 individual studies).
Findings and Interventions:
- Community Behavior: Identified gaps in bed-net use, IRS acceptance, and healthcare engagement. Targeted interventions improved awareness, IEC efforts, and healthcare services.
- Low-Density Infections: Prevalence and transmission potential were mapped using PCR diagnostics. Results highlighted significant asymptomatic cases (e.g., more than 80% in some study sites) and the need for molecular diagnostics for surveillance.
- Vector Bionomics: Documented key vector species and insecticide resistance patterns. Findings emphasized the importance of understanding vector dynamics and addressing resistance.
2. Second Research Call (2022)
Focus Areas: AI-driven surveillance, vector control, and relapse management.
Outcome: 7 projects approved, covering AI mosquito traps, malaria data dashboards, and field diagnostics, with completion targeted for October 2025.
3. Individual Study Outcomes:
- Smartphone-enabled malaria detection device.
- AI-assisted mosquito traps for enhanced surveillance.
- Policy briefs on cost-effectiveness of Mass Testing and Treatment (MTaT) and integrating malaria with other disease control programs.
- Adoption of PCR as a diagnostic tool for malaria during the elimination phase.
4. Capacity Building and Outreach:
- Conducted 3 training programs, 40 expert lectures, and 38 newsletters.
- Theme-based training sessions on mosquito biology, insecticide resistance, and community behavior.
- Hosted workshops, symposia, and competitions, including the 2021 International Malaria Symposium.
- Stakeholder meeting in 2019.
Strategic Implications
MERA-India's efforts highlight the need for community engagement, advanced diagnostics, and vector resistance management. Policy frameworks emphasizing molecular diagnostics and AI-enabled tools are pivotal to achieving malaria elimination by 2030.