The purpose of this manual is to advise those responsible for national malaria control programmes on the best ways of ensuring access to early diagnosis and appropriate, effective case management based on sound practice and WHO’s experience in the use of artemisinin-based combination treatment. The manual describes malaria programme management, planning and implementation and outlines the technical knowledge needed for case management. It is intended for adaptation and use in all malaria-endemic countries, irrespective of their epidemiological and socioeconomic specificities.