2nd Women in Malaria (WiM) Virtual Conference – 2025: Day 2

MESA Correspondents bring you cutting-edge coverage from the 2nd Women in Malaria (WiM) Conference.

Session 5 – Novel approaches, tools and technologies

Alexandra Probst (Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, USA) in her Keynote speech spoke about her research aimed at combining insecticide treatment and antimalarial treatments to prevent transmission without inducing resistance. Building on previous work by Doug who demonstrated that a brief anti-malarial contact can prevent infection in mosquitoes, she screened over 80 antiplasmodial compounds and found 22 which reduced parasite prevalence in mosquitoes with mechanisms of action for 7 of these compounds. These hit compounds were taken through a translationally relevant tarsal contact landing assay where the ELQ456 compound significantly reduced both parasite prevalence and intensity in the exposed mosquitoes but was not successful in completely blocking the infection The Mike lab was able to synthesize chemically varied ELQ compounds, out of which the ELQ 453 and ELQ 613 effectively blocked infection after tarsal contact landing. These active compounds were melted to form an ELQ polyethylene polymer to mimic bed net properties. A 6-minute contact with this bed net-like material completely blocked parasite infection even a year after exposure to day and night cycles. Further experiments revealed that treated mosquitoes can block infection 2 days after exposure and started to get breakthrough infections after day 4. Importantly, resistant mosquitoes were found to completely block infections as well. Probst at the end highlighted that the next steps of her work will focus on field testing of these compounds in malaria-endemic settings.

Annie Yang (Leiden University Medical Centre, Netherlands) spoke about liver stage development of Plasmodiumwhichquite challenging to study due to its reliance on special cell lines. Thus, she aimed to create an animal-free model for liver-stage infections with the ability to maintain P. falciparum infectivity after 7 days and withstand more than one round of infection. This, she found, was due to a phenotype change rather than a loss in cell number. Using bulk RNAseq, Yang identified host pathways that were significantly upregulated after long periods of culture. These pathways were inhibited in subsequent experiments which led to a recovery of infectivity in the hepatocytes, therefore it was found that TGF inhibitors alone were able to maintain P. falciparum infectivity after 14 days. To check for multiple infection models, she infected hepatocytes with parasites and reinfected them again after day 7 with readings on day 3 or 5 post-infection. Maturation markers were used to differentiate between infections which showed that schizonts from the first infections were being replaced by those of the second infections. These however had smaller sizes compared to those of the first infection. Yang concluded that pre-exposed hepatocytes are more permissible to P. falciparum infections although it resulted in smaller schizonts

Maggy Sikulu-Lord (University of Queensland, Australia) discussed her work which focuses on using infrared spectroscopy to determine infection stages in mosquitoes, an improvement from traditional methods which are costly and time-consuming. This work relies on flashing light on mosquitoes to obtain a spectral signature which is then analysed by AI and machine learning algorithms. About 5 to 10 seconds of exposure to infrared light allows the differentiation of the morphology of the Anopheles gambiae and An. arabienses as well as their age groups, and if they are likely to be infectious or not, with 84% accuracy. They further tested this technology for its ability to scan preserved mosquitoes from the field. Preservation with silica gel had the best results up to 50 days after collection. Parous and nulliparous mosquitoes were also differentiated in field-preserved mosquitoes. Her team further hypothesised that this technology could be used to detect infected RBCs in humans and human biological samples. Additional testing revealed the technology’s ability to detect asymptomatic infections, infected blood samples, and non-invasive parasite detection directly from humans. It was further able to distinguish between schizonts and trophozoites during infection. Sikulu-Lord mentioned that parasite quantification was however imperfect and needed further optimisation. She indicated that future tests will be required in the field to determine the true sensitivity of the technology as well as opportunities for incorporating it into wearable devices.

Mary-Louise Wilde (University of Melbourne, Australia)  presented gene drives as a novel vector control strategy, focusing on preventing malaria transmission through parasites since the current malaria interventions are being challenged. Gene drives, self-replicating genetic elements, spread through non-Mendelian inheritance. Two types of gene drives exist: population replacement, rendering mosquitoes malaria-incapable, and population suppression, preventing progeny. Using Plasmodium berghei as a model, CRISPR-Cas9 was employed to modify asexual parasite stages in mice, creating GFP+ and mCherry+ lines. These lines, individually non-transmissible, produced progeny when crossed and fed to mosquitoes. Her experiments demonstrated gene drive efficacy in P. falciparum. This research represents the first successful gene drive creation in malaria parasites. Ongoing efforts are developing further gene drives for population suppression, replacement, and human rodent malaria. Wilde expressed the need for further studies that will explore factors influencing gene drive efficacy and optimal target selection.

Meta Roestenberg (Leiden University, Netherlands)  discussed genetically attenuated Plasmodium falciparum parasites as a malaria vaccine, targeting the liver stage for infection prevention. Their initial candidate, GA1, showed safety but low efficacy (13%). Hypothesizing that later-resting parasites offer better protection, they developed GA2, designed to fully arrest in the late liver stage. Three doses of GA2 showed no blood-stage infection in human clinical trials but released liver DNA, detected by PCR. Comparing immune responses, GA2 induced stronger protection than GA1, despite similar antibody levels. It was also observed that GA2 stimulated higher CD4+ T cell cytokine production compared to V gamma 2 T cells. Results from another clinical trial showed that a single immunization with GA2 still provided protection, suggesting multiple doses may be unnecessary and that CD4+ T cell responses remained dominant. Roestenberg concluded that later-resting attenuated parasites are more potent than previously thought, providing high-level protection after a single exposure in malaria-naive volunteers.

Session 6 – Strong and sensitive surveillance of malaria transmission and drug resistance

Kirsty McCann (Deakin University, Australia) presented her research on population genetic signatures of Plasmodium falciparum in a hyperendemic area of Papua New Guinea following extensive control measures implemented since 2006. Her team analyzed P. falciparum isolates collected from Madang and East Sepik provinces between 2005 and 2020. She presented results revealing contrasting patterns between regions: whereas Madang showed minimal population structure changes over time, East Sepik demonstrated significant shifts, with evidence of a transmission bottleneck in 2012 followed by a resurgence of cases. Identity by descent (IBD) analysis identified both persistent lineages (spanning all time points and provinces) and recently emerged lineages, with a particular clade emerging in isolates taken from Madang during 2020. McCann linked these emerging lineages to artemisinin resistance, specifically, the C580Y mutation in the kelch13 gene, showing resistance has become established in Madang and appeared to be emerging in East Sepik. She concluded by emphasizing that genetic evidence of increasing parasite relatedness following transmission decline is consistent with focal points of transmission. She further noted that maintaining intensive control measures is essential to keeping parasite populations low and continuing progress toward malaria elimination.

Varanya Wasakul (Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit – MORU, Thailand) presented findings from the GenRe-Mekong project, which conducts genetic surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), a hotspot for antimalarial resistance. In her presentation, she explained how the project monitors resistance markers to guide national malaria programs across Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Wasakul highlighted key results showing high dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) resistance during 2016-17 when this therapy was widely used, with early warnings prompting Vietnam to switch treatments – leading to a dramatic decline in regional resistance from 62% (2017-19) to just 2% by 2022. She emphasized that statistical analysis confirmed treatment policy changes had a greater impact on malaria reduction than COVID-19 restrictions. At the end of her presentation, Wasakul stressed that routine genetic surveillance is critical for tracking resistance trends and informing policy decisions, demonstrating how real-time genomic data can support effective treatment strategies and accelerate elimination efforts in the GMS. She noted that the project serves as a powerful example of molecular surveillance’s role in combating drug-resistant malaria globally.  

Nguyen Thanh Thuy Nhien (Oxford University Clinical Research Unit – OCRU, Vietnam) presented molecular surveillance in response to malaria outbreaks in Vietnam, facilitated by monitoring individual molecular markers at sentinel sites by high-throughput genotyping. In collaboration with the National Malaria Control Program and the GenRe project, they provided real-time information on drug resistance and treatment efficacy. Thanh highlighted two outbreak cases. In the first outbreak, in Gia Lai province (2017-2020), genetic surveillance detected artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum parasites, with resistance rates dramatically increasing from 41% to 96% in Krong Pa district with C580Y as the predominant mutation. In another outbreak that occurred in Khanh Hoa province during 2023-2024, they identified co-circulation of three P. falciparum strains with similar genetic resistance profiles. This evidence led to a critical change in first-line treatment policy. Through genetic barcoding they traced the spread of parasite populations, identifying five main parasite clusters. Thanh concluded that molecular surveillance offers key advantages in outbreak responses by identifying resistance profiles, tracking parasite spread between regions, and distinguishing between local and imported cases, which is particularly important as Vietnam approaches elimination targets.

Ashley Osborne (Menzies School of Health Research, Australia) presented her research on Plasmodium vivax recurrence dynamics in southern Ethiopia, combining identity-by-descent (IBD) analysis and time-to-event data to distinguish between the “three R’s”: re-infection, relapses (from dormant hypnozoites), and recrudescence. She aimed to develop a use case for microhaplotype-based IBD metrics and time-to-event data in high-endemic settings to evaluate P. vivax persistence and recurrence dynamics over time. In her presentation, she explained how IBD analysis revealed high genetic diversity and frequent transmission of P. vivax, while time-to-event data linked hypnozoite activation to environmental and host factors. Osborne highlighted emerging drug resistance markers and the challenges of achieving radical cures in endemic settings. She concluded that integrating these approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of recurrence dynamics, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies such as improved access to primaquine and enhanced surveillance. At the end of her presentation, she noted that these findings offer a pathway to more effective malaria elimination in high-burden regions by addressing relapses, reinfections, and recrudescence, advancing global malaria control efforts.  

Ellen Kearney (The University of Melbourne, Burnet Institute, Australia) presented her research on the use of Anopheles salivary antibodies as serological biomarkers to measure human exposure to mosquito bites and malaria transmission risk. In her presentation, she explained how analyzing immune responses to Anopheles salivary proteins can identify specific antibodies that correlate with human biting rates (HBR) and entomological inoculation rates (EIR), providing a non-invasive tool to assess vector exposure and predict transmission hotspots. Kearney highlighted that salivary antibody levels reflect spatial and temporal variations in mosquito biting rates, offering a practical alternative to traditional entomological surveys, especially in low-transmission settings. She concluded that this vector serology approach is valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of vector control interventions and guiding targeted strategies. At the end of her presentation, Kearney noted that her work advances the development of innovative tools to enhance surveillance and support global malaria elimination efforts, emphasizing its potential to transform malaria control in resource-limited settings.  

Annie Browne (Malaria Atlas Project, The Kids Research Institute, Australia) presented her research addressing the critical need for improved routine surveillance of malaria mortality and severity in sub-Saharan Africa, where underreporting and misclassification of cases remain significant challenges. In her presentation, she advocated for integrating community-based reporting, health facility data, and verbal autopsies to enhance data accuracy, while also exploring the use of digital tools and machine learning to streamline data collection and enable real-time monitoring of malaria trends. Browne emphasized that reliable metrics are essential for evaluating the impact of interventions like bed nets and antimalarial drugs. She concluded by highlighting the importance of accurate data in guiding public health strategies and reducing malaria burden, calling for increased investment in data infrastructure and capacity building. At the end of her presentation, Browne noted that robust surveillance is vital for evidence-based decision-making and accelerating progress toward malaria elimination.

Session 7 – Vector Control

Victoria Ingham’s (German Center for Infection Research – DZIF, Germany) presentation explored the secondary effects of pyrethroid exposure on mosquito immunity and parasite development. She highlighted how insecticide-resistant mosquitoes encounter pyrethroids multiple times throughout their lifecycle, influencing both their biology and their ability to host Plasmodium parasites. Her research focused on oxidative stress, particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which appear at higher basal levels in pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes compared to controls. Using qPCR, she found elevated levels of detoxifying enzymes such as catalase in resistant populations. Exposure to permethrin, a pyrethroid, further induced ROS production, particularly in mosquito midguts and hemocytes. To determine if this immune response could suppress Plasmodium spp., her team artificially elevated RNS levels by feeding mosquitoes supplemental L-arginine. This led to increased hemocyte proliferation, particularly granulocytes, and a significant reduction in Plasmodium oocysts and sporozoites post blood-meal. RNA sequencing revealed widespread changes in immune pathways with key responses to malaria infection, particularly in the expression of effectors under control of the immunodeficiency (IMD) pathway. Ingham’s results found that TEP1 (thioester-containing protein 1), a major component of the Anopheles immune response to parasite infection, was upregulated after pyrethroid exposure. She concluded that pyrethroid exposure triggers RNS production, which may enhance mosquito immunity against Plasmodium, suggesting a novel link between insecticide resistance and vector immunity, potentially influencing malaria transmission dynamics.

Shüné Oliver (National Institute for Communicable Diseases, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa) discussed the impact of climate change on mosquito physiology and its epidemiological consequences. She highlighted how temperature influences mosquito traits and behaviour, affecting disease transmission. When discussing the thermal limit for Anopheles mosquitoes, Oliver referenced a previous study at the Botha De Meillon Insectary (BDMI) at Witwatersrand in 2012, where it was found that female Anopheles mosquitoes had higher thermal tolerance than males (with a limit of ~40.5°C for both laboratory and wild strains). Oliver’s research focused on two Anopheles arabiensis strains from Sudan: the insecticide-resistant SENN-DDT strain and the largely susceptible SENN strain. She explored how these strains respond to extreme heat, exposing adult females to 41°C for five hours. The SENN-DDT strain showed greater resilience to heat but lost this advantage after a blood meal. She also investigated mosquito survival in cold conditions by gradually adapting larvae to 18°C. Cold selection increased SENN-DDT’s longevity and slightly but significantly increased feeding success (without significant changes to host-seeking behaviour). Additionally, SENN mosquitoes exhibited a higher likelihood of surviving cold temperature changes. She noted that while resistant mosquitoes are better adapted to high temperatures, unselected strains thrive in colder conditions. Her findings suggest climate variability may influence malaria transmission dynamics, as resistant mosquitoes could have a survival advantage in extreme heat, impacting control strategies. 

Diana Omoke (Kenya Medical Research Institute – KEMRI, Kenya) presented on the transcriptomic analysis of Anopheles arabiensis populations resistant to pyrethroids and organophosphates in western Kenya. This research aimed to provide a better understanding of insecticide resistance, which threatens vector control strategies such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). At present, insecticide resistance monitoring relies on WHO tube bioassays and WHO/CDC bottle bioassays in combination with molecular methods for detecting genetic markers of resistance, though few metabolic insecticide resistance markers have been identified thus far. In this study, mosquito larvae were collected from Migori and Siaya counties in western Kenya, reared to adulthood, and then exposed to deltamethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, and pirimiphos-methyl insecticides, with the aim of generating multi-insecticide resistant An. arabensis populations for genetic profiling by RNA sequencing (alongside insecticide-susceptible controls). Studies with insecticides showed increased mosquito mortality with higher insecticide concentrations. Comparative transcriptomic analyses between insecticide-resistant and susceptible An. arabiensis populations revealed overexpression of salivary gland and cuticular protein genes in insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, along with metabolic resistance markers such as cytochrome P450s, carboxylesterases, and glutathione transferases. Specific genes associated with resistance to multiple insecticides were identified, guiding further research, and Omoke’s current work aims to expand on these findings by carrying out similar experiments in An. funestus.

Diane Leslie Nkahe’s (University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon) research explored if biological larviciding could increase Anopheles gambiae susceptibility to pyrethroids in resistant populations. Focusing on WHO-recommended larval source management, the study used VectoMax G in Yaoundé from 2018 to 2021 to assess its impact on Anopheles coluzzii pyrethroid resistance. Field and lab bioassays measured mosquito fitness parameters such as feeding rate, fecundity rate, sex ratio, duration of larval development, and longevity alongside screening for genes associated with pyrethroid resistance. In a laboratory setting, An. coluzzii colonies were subjected to different selection pressures with either deltamethrin or VectorMax G alone, or in combination. qPCR analysis was used to profile the expression of different detoxification genes, genes associated with oxidative stress, and kdr allele frequency (a known marker for pyrethroid resistance). Results showed no difference in kdr frequency between field and lab colonies, but did show a significant decrease in the expression of GSTe2, a glutathione S-transferase gene, in field populations and deltamethrin-only treated An. coluzzii lab colonies. Lab colonies exhibited varied life trait parameters, with the VectoMax G + deltamethrin + susceptible colony showing optimal fitness and resistance reversal patterns. Selected mosquitoes displayed extended lifespans, with the exception of the deltamethrin-only treated colony. In summary, Nkahe concluded that VectoMax G impacts resistant mosquito life traits but yielded no clear insecticide reversal signal in field or lab settings.

Hilary Ranson (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom) addressed insecticide resistance management amidst new vector control tools. While new insecticides, insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), and spatial repellents offer promise, challenges like poor resistance management, limited local efficacy data, and vector control withdrawal persist. WHO’s updated bed net recommendations favor dual-insecticide nets (pyrethroid-chlorfenapyr), impacting market demand and pricing. Though indoor residual spraying (IRS) options are increasing, coverage is declining due to economic constraints. Spatial repellents show promise for added protection, but resistance management responsibility remains unclear. Local entomological data is crucial for informed decisions. Susceptibility data for dual active ingredient (dual-AI) products, robust durability data for ITNs, and assays measuring relevant modes of action are needed. History shows vector control suspension leads to malaria case resurgence, necessitating tools to measure new control tool endpoints. Capacity building for local vector data generation, an updated global plan for insecticide resistance management (GPIRM) setting manufacturer expectations, and sustainable vector control funding are vital. The balance between short-term control and long-term susceptibility maintenance requires careful consideration at global, national, and community levels.

Session 8 – Epidemiology, diagnosis and case management

Lauren Cohee (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine – LSTM, United Kingdom) delivered a keynote speech highlighting the significant yet underrecognized burden of malaria in school-age children, a demographic often excluded from targeted control programs. In her presentation, she emphasized that malaria infection prevalence peaks in children aged 5-15 years across sub-Saharan Africa, with high rates of asymptomatic and recurrent infections contributing to chronic anemia, cognitive impairment, and absenteeism, which hinder educational performance and long-term development. Cohee underscored that school-age children serve as the primary reservoir for malaria transmission, with 83% of infected mosquitoes acquiring parasites from this group. She called for expanded interventions tailored to this age group, such as intermittent preventive treatment in schools (IPTsc), improved diagnostics, and health education programs, noting that reducing malaria could improve literacy scores and overall well-being. At the end of her talk, Cohee advocated for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to malaria elimination, urging better quantification of the disease burden in school-age children to inform policy decisions and prioritize interventions, ultimately breaking cycles of poverty and improving future opportunities.  

Jaishree Raman (National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa) presented her work on employing advanced molecular surveillance tools, including the K13 Targeted Deep Sequencing for Tracking Emergence and Resistance approach, to support malaria elimination in South Africa. In her presentation, she explained how this method analyzed genetic markers in P. falciparum and P. vivax populations to track parasite diversity, drug resistance, and transmission dynamics. Raman highlighted the identification of emerging threats, such as partial artemisinin resistance linked to K13 mutations, and the monitoring of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance through DHFR and DHPS markers. She concluded that molecular surveillance is critical for distinguishing local transmission from imported cases and enhancing South Africa’s ability to target interventions effectively. At the end of her presentation, Raman noted that integrating molecular data (MADDDDHatTeR platform across all 14 parasite chromosomes) along with traditional surveillance provides a model for strengthening national elimination strategies and fostering regional collaboration, underscoring the vital role of these tools in achieving and sustaining malaria elimination in South Africa and beyond.  

Germana Bancone (Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit – MORU, Thailand) presented research on quantitative G6PD biosensor testing for safer P. vivax malaria treatment along the Thailand-Myanmar border. This biosensor is a handheld device, cheap, and provides G6PD quantification with as little as 10 µl of whole blood. She explained that Vivax malaria requires aminoquinoline drugs to eliminate liver hypnozoites, and can cause hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals (about 20% of the local population). While G6PD status is straightforward for males, heterozygous females (20-30% of women) have variable enzyme activity requiring quantitative testing. She presented on implementation in Myanmar malaria posts and Thai field clinics enabling appropriate primaquine dosing: weekly for deficient patients, 14 days for intermediate females, and higher/shorter courses for normal patients. Most patients received appropriate treatment. Community engagement was critical for explaining genetic concepts and intervention acceptance. Bancone concluded quantitative testing enables safer treatment, particularly for females, and outlined plans to evaluate newer tools, implement single-dose tafenoquine, and expand access to lactating mothers and children.

Estelle Raobson (University of Antananarivo, Madagascar) presented her research on tropical cyclones’ impact on malaria and nutrition in Madagascar, studying 10 rural localities in Mananjary district (July 2021- April 2023) during which cyclones Batsirai and Freddy struck. Data revealed seasonal malaria patterns with peaks during hot, rainy months. School-age children showed higher infection rates, with 20-49% exposure following cyclones, suggesting extreme weather increased malaria risk. While malaria cases spiked post-cyclone, nutritional indicators remained stable despite households reporting limited portion sizes after cyclone Batsirai. Raobson suggested this could be either delayed nutritional impacts or families prioritizing children’s food despite overall financial insecurity and instability. She also suggested that malnutrition in these children might be delayed – and therefore long-term surveillance is needed to fully analyze the effect of cyclones on nutritional impacts of children and families. Analysis indicated a possible relationship between cyclones and simultaneous malaria and food insecurity. Raobson concluded that climate change accelerates extreme weather events threatening malaria control progress in Madagascar and other vulnerable regions.

Michelle Evans (Pivot, Madagascar) presented research on modelling malaria transmission heterogeneity at the community level in Madagascar, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climate change with spatial variations in cyclone frequency, rainfall, malaria prevalence and how geographic barriers continue to limit healthcare access. Her team developed a mathematical model using fine-scale community data (fokontany level) – 20 times more granular than typical district data. The model incorporated satellite imagery for environmental factors and OpenStreetMap data for human mobility between communities. Results demonstrated that including mobility was essential for model accuracy, even at fine scales. Vector control strategies (bed nets and indoor residual spraying) proved significantly more effective than strengthening health systems. Surprisingly, equal distribution of interventions across all communities outperformed targeted approaches focusing only on high-incidence hotspots, likely due to human movement between areas. Evans further highlighted ongoing work to integrate this model into an interactive dashboard to help local health officials test different intervention scenarios.

Plenary Talk 2 – Harnessing genomics to interrogate parasite biology

Dyann F. Wirth (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States) highlighted groundbreaking advancements in malaria research, focusing on the role of genomics in understanding Plasmodium falciparum biology. She discussed how the 2007 challenge from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate malaria shifted research toward evolutionary perspectives, particularly in addressing drug resistance. Her group, which is part of the Malaria drug accelerator (MalDA), employed chemogenomic approaches, exposing parasites to drugs, evolving resistance in vitro, and analyzing genetic changes to identify resistance mechanisms and novel drug targets. Wirth shared insights from her work on halofuginone, derived from febrifugine, where resistance was linked to a single nucleotide change in the parasite’s prolyl-tRNA synthetase. Her team discovered an adaptive proline response mechanism, where increased intracellular proline levels conferred resistance. Collaborations with Novartis and other institutions through high-throughput screening identified promising drug candidates. She also discussed the API-AT2 gene, identified through sequencing resistant mutants. Loss-of-function mutations in API-AT2 increased proline levels, conferring resistance to halofuginone. While these mutations did not affect asexual-stage parasites, they impaired mosquito-stage development, potentially limiting transmission. Wirth emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in drug discovery, from fundamental research to therapeutic development, and honored the contributions of women in malaria research. Her work continues to explore resistance mechanisms and novel intervention strategies, leveraging genomics to advance malaria elimination efforts globally.

Closing Remarks

The session concluded with Silvie Huijben (Arizona State University, USA) expressing gratitude for the conference’s energy, discussions, and collaboration. She thanked speakers, panelists, organizers, volunteers, and attendees for their dedication and the MESA Correspondents team for their exceptional coverage and support. Huijben encouraged continued engagement through the WiM Network, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this momentum to make a lasting impact on malaria research and global health.