ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) - MERA India

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MERA India

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.

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