Malaria Research Unit
Acting Director: Dr
Rajendra Maharaj
E-mail: rajendra.maharaj@mrc.ac.za
Malaria control is a dynamic
process, which requires support from research and the collaboration of private
and public sectors on both national and international scales.
Successful control strategies must be based on sound scientific principles.
To ensure continued success these strategies must be fed by continual research
input, as well as government commitment to control the disease.
Malaria Research was first
started at the MRC Research Institute for Diseases in a Tropical Environment
(RIDTE) in Durban in 1980.
The Malaria Research Unit
(initially known as the National Malaria Research Programme (NMRP))
was established in 1992. This unit extended its initial focus from malaria
vector research to include insecticide evaluations and research on the malaria
parasite, health systems research and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
technology.
There are currently 24
staff members within the programme, with senior staff members also being members
of the National Malaria Advisory Group.
Our research covers a
wide spectrum, ranging from laboratory work through to field work, with an
emphasis on applied research. The majority of this research is carried out
in collaboration with national, regional, pan-African, and international collaborations.
The Malaria Research Unit
became a Lead Programme within the MRC in 1999, its five main objectives being:
- To stimulate appropriate
malaria research
- To develop country
specific knowledge
- To facilitate the
flow of information between health workers, researchers and policymakers
for the optimal use of resources and manpower
- To develop a malaria
research and control culture extending beyond South African borders; and
- To directly transfer
skills through capacity development.
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