Malaria among migrant populations in the Greater Mekong Subregion: a scoping review of evidence and implications for malaria elimination

Abstract Background Countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have made substantial progress toward malaria elimination, with a regional goal of achieving elimination by 2030. However, residual transmission persists, particularly among migrant and mobile populations in border and forested areas, who often experience increased exposure and limited access to healthcare and preventive interventions. This scoping review aimed to synthesize evidence on malaria epidemiology, healthcare access, prevention practices, and health system challenges among migrant and mobile populations in the GMS. Methods A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Two electronic databases (PubMed and Scopus) were searched from inception to March 2026. Studies reporting on malaria among migrant or mobile populations in GMS countries were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Findings were synthesized narratively and organized into six thematic domains. Results A total of 847 records were identified, of which 52 studies met the inclusion criteria. Malaria burden among migrant and mobile populations was generally low but highly heterogeneous, with persistent transmission concentrated in border and forested areas and evidence of asymptomatic and submicroscopic infections indicating hidden reservoirs of transmission. Across the included studies, migrant and mobile populations experienced intersecting structural vulnerabilities, including cross-border mobility, precarious employment, legal and administrative barriers, language barriers, and limited access to health services, that contributed to delayed diagnosis and treatment, inconsistent uptake of preventive measures, and reliance on informal or cross-border healthcare. Preventive practices often remained suboptimal because of occupational and mobility-related constraints. Existing interventions, including community-based services and mobile health approaches, showed promise but remained limited in coverage and evaluation, underscoring persistent challenges for surveillance, service delivery, and cross-border coordination. Conclusions Migrant and mobile populations remain a critical challenge to malaria elimination in the GMS. Residual transmission is sustained by asymptomatic infections, structural barriers to healthcare access, suboptimal preventive practices, and high mobility. Achieving malaria elimination by 2030 will require tailored and equitable strategies that strengthen surveillance, expand flexible and accessible service delivery, and enhance cross-border collaboration for migrant and mobile populations.