The UP ISMC pioneers research on a range of methods for sustainable malaria control – from the biochemical and the biological to the chemical and the physical. Research is also being done on how best to manage these methods at a trans-disciplinary level. Community involvement and education are addressed as part of health promotion and a commitment exists to changing community behaviour towards malaria. Environmentally friendly ways of delivering chemicals for malaria prevention are among the novel ideas being explored. The focus of the UP ISMC is safer malaria control and management.

The Institute can be divided into three research groups (clusters) namely the Human Health; Parasite Control; and Vector Control clusters, with research occurring within and across clusters. This, along with the aid of national and international collaborators and funders results in Sustainable Malaria Control.