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

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: 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
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021
• Subjects: Elimination; Surveillance; 1-3-7 strategy; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03740-z; https://doaj.org/article/5c0c1a5959af46ff8fae902cec555fe9

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.