WHO malaria terminology

[NOTE: This document was published in 2016; an updated version was released in 2021]

WHO malaria terminology

In recent years, there has been a proliferation of new terms in relation to malaria in the scientific literature, technical reports and the media. Concurrently, a number of terms with new or modified use and meaning have been introduced. These changes stem from renewed global interest in malaria elimination and eradication, increased access to scientific and technical information and faster translation of research findings into evidence-based policies.

This updated glossary for malaria aims to improve communication and mutual understanding within the scientific community, as well as with funding agencies, public health officials responsible for malaria programmes, and policy-makers in malaria-endemic countries.