2nd South African Malaria Research Conference to be presented by UP

Posted on July 29, 2016

The University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC) will present the 2nd South African Malaria Research Conference at the University's Groenkloof Campus from Sunday, 31 July, to Tuesday, 2 August 2016. This is the follow-up to the very successful first conference hosted by the South African Medical Research Council (SA MRC) in Durban in 2015, and will bring together the malaria community and students involved in malaria-related research. To highlight the importance of trans-disciplinary approaches and alternative methods of fighting malaria, the conference is themed 'Towards malaria elimination: research, innovation and education'.

In 2015, there were an estimated 214 million clinical cases of malaria and 438 000 malaria-related deaths, with most cases and deaths noted in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region. Climatic changes and/or population movements in the area may favour malaria transmission, possibly reintroducing the disease in malaria-free areas. This situation has  prompted an urgent need for increased research and surveillance in many malaria areas to eliminate the disease using an integrated management approach, including safer alternatives to the insecticides currently being used, especially those that are known for resistance. Support is also needed for the continued development of new technologies and strategies as sustainable alternative malaria control methods. The battle to control malaria is currently largely based on two strategies, namely control of the vector (mosquitoes), and control of the malaria parasite. Novel approaches to raising community awareness and support for public health campaigns are also important and will enable communities to contribute to an integrated management approach.

Next week's conference, which was organised by the UP ISMC in conjunction with the SA MRC Office of Malaria Research, will again provide researchers with the opportunity to showcase novel findings, innovation, ground-breaking research and on-going collaborative efforts to eliminate malaria. A variety of institutions from South Africa, the Southern African Development Community and other African countries, as well as countries on other continents will be represented. The institutions include tertiary education and research institutions, NGOs, government and the private sector/industry.

The conference is sponsored by:

For frequently asked questions about malaria, please visit www.malaria.up.ac.za.

For the full conference programme, click here.

 

- Author University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control

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