Laboratory diagnosis for malaria elimination and health security – 8th Leaders’ Summit D2S5

This technical session focused on the vital role of accessible and robust laboratory diagnostics in achieving malaria elimination and strengthening health security, particularly in low-resource settings. Using experiences from the Asia Pacific region, experts examined the continued effectiveness of microscopy in resource-limited settings, discuss advanced techniques like PCR and their potential contribution to malaria elimination efforts. The panel also discussed the journey of PNG in establishing a National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to strengthen their national surveillance and response capacities and lessons for diagnosis from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Session speakers:
• Mr Ken Wai, Deputy Secretary Public Health, National Department of Health, Papua New Guinea
• Ms Miriam Carter, Counsellor-Health, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Dr James F Kelley, Regional Malaria Advisor, WHO Western Pacific Regional Office
• Prof Leanne Robinson, Senior Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute
• Prof Gao Qi, Chair, National Malaria Expert Committee, China
• Mr Ernest Velemu, Manager, Quality Assurance, Central Public Health Laboratory, National Department of Health, Papua New Guinea
• Dr Maria Ome-Kaius, Head of Vector Borne Diseases, PNG, IMR

About the event:
Hosted by the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in partnership with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), the 8th Asia Pacific Leaders’ Summit on Malaria Elimination on 6-7 June 2024 in Port Moresby united stakeholders under the theme “Invest to Achieve Zero Malaria” recognizing the significant burden and impact of malaria among Pacific Island nations. The first day focused on high-level political commitments to malaria elimination while the second day comprised of partner meetings and technical discussions. The Emcee of the Summit was Dr Pamela Toliman, Senior Research Fellow, PNG Institute of Medical Research.

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Laboratory diagnosis for malaria elimination and health security
00:03:32 Chairman address: Pastor Ken Wai
00:11:45 Presentation: Dr James F Kelley
00:21:09 Presentation on quality assurance: Mr Ernest Velemu
00:31:23 Presentation: Dr Maria Ome-Kaius
00:45:11 Panel discussion
01:00:22 Closing remarks: Ms Miriam Carter