Which way for malaria control and epidemiological services?

Historically epidemiological services were intimately linked with malaria control, and both were conceived as an integral part of local public health services. The strategy of malaria eradication between 1956 and 1969 moved malaria activities away from the health services and led to a weakening of epidemiological capacities. The epidemiological requirements of malaria control are now greater than ever. However, the capacity of health services to fulfil these requirements remains seriously weak. Investment in malaria control could provide an important building block for the much-needed strengthening of national public health.