The GMS Molecular Surveillance Network, part of the WWARN Molecular Module, is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and coordinated by Jeffrey Smith.

The GMS Molecular Surveillance Network programme aims are:

•    To coordinate a network of molecular laboratories for malaria genotyping in Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand and Vietnam
•    To strengthen laboratory capacity for molecular surveillance of drug resistance in the region through training and mentoring
•    To provide technical assistance for laboratory and network system management and technical support for IT and information sharing. 

The first GMS Molecular Surveillance Network genotyping workshop was held in Bangkok in September 2010. Thirteen participants from Burma, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam received training provided by nineteen malaria and laboratory experts from eight institutions in France, Switzerland, Thailand, and the US.

The Network has established the Malaria Molecular External Quality Assessment Programme (M2EQAP), an external QA/QC programme that includes biannual proficiency testing for differentiating treatment failure (recrudescence) from malaria re-infection. Seven laboratories in five GMS countries have signed up to M2EQAP. There are plans to expand the programme globally before the end of 2011.