Pedro Alonso

With the tools that we have today, it is most unlikely that eradication could be achieved, we need to focus on getting back on track.

In many countries, progress is threatened by the rapid development and spread of mosquito resistance to insecticides. Drug resistance could also jeopardize recent gains in malaria control.

It's going to be a first time in history situation, the challenges are around where this vaccine could provide additional benefits to the tools we already have.

In the absence of four doses, the efficacy disappears and no significant protection is documented, it's challenging in terms of understanding how it would best add value.

The massive scale-up of mosquito control measures, diagnostic testing and quality-assured treatment has helped to dramatically reduce the global disease burden, with sustained political commitment, increased financing, and with the help of innovative new tools, we should be able to accelerate efforts even further.

The next few years are going to be critical to show that we can maintain momentum and build on the gains.