Understanding malaria in Southeast Asia: how the disease and its vectors change across the region
Official title: The changing landscape of human and zoonotic malaria in Southeast Asia
Funded at Mahidol University · NIH-11573711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant supports a large international effort to study how malaria spreads and evolves in Southeast Asia, including human and animal (zoonotic) infections, to help countries reach elimination.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mahidol University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nakhon Pathom, Thailand) |
| Project start | June 21, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $197,640 |
| NIH project number | 3U19AI181583-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11573711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include people living in or traveling through malaria-endemic areas in Thailand and Malaysia, and populations at risk of exposure to P. knowlesi and other species.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without exposure to malaria or those in non-endemic areas may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers at MAHIDOL University and partners will study malaria patterns across Thailand and Malaysia, looking at how different environments and vectors influence transmission. The project focuses on human malaria types (like P. falciparum, P. vivax) and zoonotic forms such as P. knowlesi, to inform targeted elimination strategies. Data will come from field sites in diverse landscapes and involve collaborations with international institutions to connect epidemiology with vector biology. The work is designed to translate findings into practical approaches for surveillance, control, and elimination programs in the region.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could improve how malaria is detected and controlled in SEA, helping governments move closer to elimination.
How similar studies have gone: Prior ICEMR efforts have advanced understanding of malaria transmission and vector relationships, showing value in similar regional collaborations.
Where this research is happening
-
Mahidol University
Nakhon Pathom, Thailand Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prachumsri, Jetsumon — Mahidol University
- Study coordinator: Prachumsri, Jetsumon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia to improve outbreak detection
A collaboration to add a malaria-specific digital module to an existing surveillance system in Africa to help detect and respond to outbreaks faster.
-
Cross-sector partnership uses digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia
A US-based team will adapt and test a digital malaria surveillance module in SORMAS to help detect and respond to malaria outbreaks in Ethiopia.
-
Malaria control project in Western Kenya to reduce illness and deaths
A large, multi-year effort in western Kenya will help track malaria spread and test ways to prevent transmission so fewer people get sick or die.
-
Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent relapse of vivax malaria in Asia
A study tests the best tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapse in people in East Asia and Oceania.
-
Optimizing tafenoquine dose to prevent P. vivax malaria relapses in Asia
A study to find the best single-dose tafenoquine amount to prevent relapse of P. vivax malaria in people in East Asia and Oceania.
-
Severe malaria and brain risk in children
This grant studies how severe malaria in young children can affect brain development and long-term thinking and behavior, with a focus on kids in Uganda.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.