Malaria Journal (Apr 2021)

Implementation and success factors from Thailand’s 1-3-7 surveillance strategy for malaria elimination

  • Cheewanan Lertpiriyasuwat,
  • Prayuth Sudathip,
  • Suravadee Kitchakarn,
  • Darin Areechokchai,
  • Sathapana Naowarat,
  • Jui A. Shah,
  • David Sintasath,
  • Niparueradee Pinyajeerapat,
  • Felicity Young,
  • Krongthong Thimasarn,
  • Deyer Gopinath,
  • Preecha Prempree

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03740-z
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 1
pp. 1 – 12

Abstract

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Abstract Thailand’s National Malaria Elimination Strategy 2017–2026 introduced the 1-3-7 strategy as a robust surveillance and response approach for elimination that would prioritize timely, evidence-based action. Under this strategy, cases are reported within 1 day, cases are investigated within 3 days, and foci are investigated and responded to within 7 days, building on Thailand’s long history of conducting case investigation since the 1980s. However, the hallmark of the 1-3-7 strategy is timeliness, with strict deadlines for reporting and response to accelerate elimination. This paper outlines Thailand’s experience adapting and implementing the 1-3-7 strategy, including success factors such as a cross-sectoral Steering Committee, participation in a collaborative regional partnership, and flexible local budgets. The programme continues to evolve to ensure prompt and high-quality case management, capacity maintenance, and adequate supply of lifesaving commodities based on surveillance data. Results from implementation suggest the 1-3-7 strategy has contributed to Thailand’s decline in malaria burden; this experience may be useful for other countries aiming to eliminate malaria.

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