The malaria control program in Papua New Guinea: epidemiological surveillance and a look into the future.

The four major phases of the malaria control program in Papua New Guinea are briefly described. Routine indicators utilized during Phases II and III (the periods when residual indoor spraying was used) are presented and their limitations outlined. The new epidemiological indicators developed during Phase IV and now included in the National Health Plan (1991-1995) are presented. Their future use and implications for the malaria control program are analyzed and discussed.