Risk Factors and Control Strategies for Local Transmission of malaria caused by imported cases in China

On June 30, 2021, China was verified to be malaria free by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating a milestone in the country's malaria prevention and control . However, in the context of the severe global malaria epidemic, China still face the risk for local transmission of malaria caused by imported cases. Based on the WHO malariogenic potential assessment framework, this paper systematically summarizes the risk factors for local transmission of malaria caused by imported cases in China, including the continuous malaria case importation, the existence of malaria vectors in some regions, potential declines in the sensitivity of healthcare and surveillance systems, and the potential threat of antimalarial drug resistance. Therefor, this paper suggests to strengthen government-led and multi-sectoral collaboration mechanisms, promote the development of surveillance and, early warning systems and precise vector control, improve scientific research innovation and capacity maintenance,and deepen cross-border joint prevention, control and international cooperation to establish a sustainable prevention and control barrier, keep malaria free status and contribute to global malaria elimination.