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Recent progress in malaria control has enabled countries to reduce malaria transmission rates. Existing diagnostic technologies—microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs)—have played a critical role in this success by enabling many regions to achieve transmission rates near the threshold that defines the elimination phase. However, it is not clear whether these same tests are the most efficient and cost-effective tools to achieve accurate infection detection at low levels of parasitemia, which is critical to achieving elimination goals. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity and agreement on the use scenarios, target product profiles (TPPs), standardized methods of assay validation, and market potential for the malaria diagnostic tools best suited for cost-effective detection in elimination settings. The resulting ambiguity hinders the development of new infection detection technologies as well as strategic application of existing and nearly ready tools.PATH has developed a rigorous approach to identifying the most promising solutions to diagnostic challenges in low-resource settings. This involves aggregating and analyzing user needs, market needs, and technical requirements to generate the comprehensive evidence base necessary to inform product development, commercialization, and strategic program operations. Thus, through extensive field research and collaboration with malaria elimination experts, the DIAMETER team will evaluate and hone the use scenarios and TPPs for infection detection in elimination settings. To this end, stakeholder interviews will be conducted in six to eight countries in Asia, Africa, and South America nearing malaria elimination. This information will be collated to inform product development of new diagnostics and areas where further research is required. This report presents findings from stakeholder interviews conducted in Ethiopia in December 2013.

This policy brief outlines PATH's priorities and recommendations to ensure that the post-2015 development agenda includes key health targets to maximize development opportunities and impacts.

PATH is an innovator, researcher, implementation catalyst, and influential advocate on the global and country levels. This document highlights PATH's experience and expertise in translating data, knowledge, and messages to stimulate action by decision-makers in support of health innovations, policies, and sustainable resources.

This issue of Directions in Global Health features PATH’s Sure Start project, which helped to improve maternal and newborn health in India. Other articles cover strategies to eliminate malaria, advocacy and communications to improve tuberculosis control, a landmark vaccine introduction in Ghana, and a new child-health initiative in southern Africa.

This fact sheet provides an overview of PATH's work in Zambia, including our work to support data-driven malaria control measures, improve child health and nutrition, prevent HIV infection, and create better information management systems.