1. Dr. Chetan Chitnis, ICGEB, New Delhi RBM Partnership Board Meeting November 10, 2008

2. CONTEXT 1)Renewed efforts over the last several years to improve and intensify efforts against malaria 2)The goal of malaria eradication has been re-established 3)The general consensus that with currently available tools, eradication will not be possible

3. Challenge to the Scientific Research Community Challenge to the scientific community to identify the critical research areas needed to eradicate malaria by: Evaluating currently available tools and strategies to improve and enhance their use Understanding the key knowledge gaps that R&D will need to address Stimulating the development of new tools for improved control and to contribute to eradication Promoting consensus building and strengthening ties among malaria research areas

4. Proposed Response The Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (MalERA) initiative will coordinate a consultative process to define the Research and Development agenda for malaria eradication. Overall Goal: to develop a multi-disciplinary, global R&D agenda that can be actionable by research and public health agencies and sponsors.  Output will be a white paper(s) defining the R&D agenda that will be presented publicly

5. Operational Structure

6. Consultative Groups Formed of leading scientists in specific research sectors: 1.Drugs 2.Vaccines 3.Vector control 4.Modeling 5.Monitoring and evaluation/surveillance 6.Integration strategies 7.Health systems/operational research/diagnostics

7. Key Scientific Questions to be addressed in each theme What are the critical knowledge gaps in malaria parasite biology, immunology, epidemiology, vector biology and interactions with the human host that are impediments to development of malaria eradication tools? What novel technological approaches can we consider to facilitate development of efficacious tools? What considerations are needed for Plasmodium species other than falciparum, eg. P. vivax? How should strategies from different sectors be combined to maximize effectiveness?

8. Outputs Journal articles for specific topics Definition of next steps for the agenda setting process Zenith Week to consolidate the work and produce the white papers White paper(s) outlining the R&D agenda

9. Activity Update  Participation in revision of Global Malaria Action Plan Research Section  Collaboration with TropIKA to host the Stakeholders Online Forum  Briefings with and support from key partners at RBM, WHO, TDR; IVR  Establishment of Secretariat at CRESIB Barcelona  Regular Steering Committee Teleconferences  Planning for first round of Consultative Meetings

10. Meeting Schedule Launch Meeting – November 20th & 21 st, Montreaux, Switzerland Vaccine Theme Meeting – November 22nd & 23rd, Montreaux, Switzerland Leadership Council Meeting – December 5 th, Washington DC and London Monitoring and Evaluation Meeting – January 26th & 27th, Barcelona, Spain (coordinated with MERG meeting) Drugs Meeting – January 2009 Health Systems/Operational Research/Diagnostics Meeting – end of February 2009