The aim of this protocol is to support the conduct of entomological comparative efficacy assessments for vector control products and the associated non-inferiority analysis. This evidence is used to inform discussions within the guidelines development context as to whether a new vector control product should be considered as covered by one or more existing WHO recommendations or not. Alternatively, the evidence may inform the extension of an existing WHO recommendation or the development of a new one, provided that non-inferiority is demonstrated.

On 30 October–1 November 2023, the WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG) convened to review updates and progress, and to provide guidance on thematic areas of work by the Global Malaria Programme. The meeting focused on the following topics: the Global Malaria Programme operational strategy 2024–2030; malaria vaccines R21/Matrix-M and RTS,S/AS01, the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP) and status of malaria vaccine roll-out; guiding principles for prioritizing malaria interventions in resource-constrained settings to achieve maximum impact; progress and challenges on subnational tailoring of interventions; comparative effectiveness in the context of the arrival of new vector control products; the “High burden to high impact” (HBHI) approach; the WHO guidelines for malaria; antimalarial drug resistance in Africa; and the Mekong Malaria Elimination programme.

This meeting report describes the discussion and outcomes of the technical consultation on the value of non-inferiority assessments within the vector control evaluation process, for interventions that fall within an established intervention class. The discussion was based on pilot trials assessing non-inferiority of pyrethroid-PBO nets against malaria. Objectives of the meeting included determining the value, and challenges associated with using non-inferiority assessments and considerations of how these evaluations could be implemented within the existing framework of the WHO vector control evaluation process.

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.