MESA III

Objectives

MESA – the malaria knowledge hub, gathers and shares knowledge to catalyze research and inform decisions responding to the needs of malaria endemic countries. MESA was originally named the Malaria Eradication Scientific Alliance, and was born out of the Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) in 2011.

MESA works along three strategic areas to contribute towards a malaria-free world:

• Mapping the landscape of active malaria research projects including operational research;
• Creating effective avenues for malaria researchers and professionals to use emerging data for advocacy, decision-making, policy and strategies;
• Synthesizing evidence to bridge knowledge gaps.

MESA is hosted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and support the organization in fulfilling its mandate as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Malaria Control, Elimination and Eradication.

Some highlights of MESA’s work:

1. MESA Track – the largest open access database of malaria projects, which engages key stakeholders (NMCPs, Researchers, Funders and International Organizations) and provides a snapshot of malaria research, including operational research, worldwide. 
2. Identification of knowledge gaps and setting research priorities by undertaking landscape reviews, together with technical consultations, MPAG meetings, WHO GMP meetings and malERA Refresh.
3. Facilitation of dialogue with key stakeholders on the state of research funding, the research landscape, and funding gaps.
4. Provision of critical support to WHO on systematic reviews on priority topics to inform policy discussions.
5. Engagement of research groups in malaria endemic countries in systematic reviews, organized events, correspondence programs and communities of practice.