Imagine what would happen if we, the global malaria community, could all benefit from the 'Science of eradication: Malaria' course that was given at Harvard recently. Aren't we living in an era where the lectures and discussions could have been recorded and shared with all of us? Even though I have been in the field of malaria for 20 years, chances are high that I would have learned something new. But the basic module costed $ 1900 (without travel and accommodation costs), and how many of us in the far corners of the planet could have afforded this? The tutors were top-notch, and I feel that I missed something important. Could we ask Harvard to broadcast at least the lectures for all of us next time they hold the course?
Fortunately we are not entirely in the dark, because one of the course participants, Ric Ataide, reported on the course in two blogs: The science of eradication 1, and blog 2 on the same topic. At least, thanks to Ric, we get a feel for what was discussed there. Much appreciated.
This week we also welcome the news of a new initiative in the USA: the African Malaria Coalition. Determined to search for viable and sustainable approaches for malaria control, in intends to take an advisory role for donors and large NGOs in a malaria world that is in flux.
Finally, we have a guest editorial from Richard Tren, Kimberly Hess, and Donald Roberts, where they make a strong plea for action to search for chemicals that have similar spatial repellent properties as DDT.
Enjoy this week's MalariaWorld - the MW team.