The battle against malaria now stands at a crucial juncture. Following the publication of the malaria parasite's genome sequence last year and the beginnings of relevant proteomics, research tools are now available that could make a big difference in the long-term fight against malaria.

This Nature editorial calls for a committed effort — especially on the part of the US government — to ensure that existing science is used effectively, by assisting control efforts through more generous support for bodies such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

It also argues for the need for science to yield new tools through post-genomics research. Addressing new opportunities in the basic science of the disease should, in the long-term, deliver far-reaching solutions, it says.

Link to Nature editorial

Reference: Nature 421, 97 (2003)