Towards Setting Minimum and Optimal Data to Report for Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) with Targeted Sequencing: The “What” and the “Why”

The COVID-19 pandemic showcased the power of genomic surveillance in tracking infectious diseases, driving rapid public health responses and global collaboration. This same infrastructure is being leveraged for malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) in Africa to tackle challenges like artemisinin partial resistance and Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 gene deletions. However, variability in sequencing methods and data reporting is currently limiting the validation, comparability, and reuse of data. To maximize the impact of MMS, we propose minimal and optimal data for reporting that maximize transparency and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. Rather than focusing on specific data formats, here, we propose what should be reported and why. Moving to reporting individual infection-level allele or microhaplotype data is central to maximizing impact of MMS. Reporting must adhere to local regulatory practices and ensure proper data oversight and management, preventing data colonialism and preserving opportunities for data generators. With malaria’s challenges transcending borders, reporting and adopting standardized practices is essential to advance research and strengthen global public health efforts.