MARC SE-Africa delegates take part in strategic malaria resistance mitigation meetings in Uganda
In July 2024, members of the Mitigating Antimalarial Resistance Consortium for South and East Africa (MARC SE-Africa) gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for a series of strategic meetings aimed at addressing the growing concerns about antimalarial drug resistance across the region.
On 9 July, the consortium's visit began with a situational analysis drafting session at the Mulago Reference Hospital, hosted by the Clinical Head of the Directorate of Medicine, Prof. Pauline Byakika. The session focused on writing and editing a detailed analysis of the current challenges in malaria resistance mitigation, a document that the MARC SE-Africa consortium has been working on together with the Uganda National Malaria Control Division, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Clinton Health Access Initiative, the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), WHO and malaria partner technical officers. The document will be shared with the Ugandan minister of health to inform future intervention, enhance malaria control programs' effectiveness, and curb the spread of drug-resistant malaria in Uganda and the broader region.
Dr Stephanie van Wyk and Prof. Pauline Byakika at the Mulago Reference Hospital drafting session
Continuing their mission, MARC SE-Africa members Dr Stephanie van Wyk and Dr Joaniter Nankabirwa attended the Young Investigators Research Symposium, hosted by the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC), at the Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala Hotel on 10 July. This full-day event showcased innovative research from budding scientists and emphasised the importance of fresh perspectives in the fight against malaria.
Attendees of the Young Investigators Research Symposium
The series of engagements wrapped up with the IDRC Research Dissemination Meeting on Research to Policy on 11 July, held at the Protea Kampala Hotel. This meeting focused on sharing recent findings and strategies to combat malaria, drawing on the expertise of local and international researchers, funding bodies, and national malaria program managers. Dr Joaniter Nankabirwa presented a seminar titled “Housing and Malaria—The Uganda Housing Modification Study and LLINEUP2”.
Attendees of the Research Dissemination Meeting on Research to Policy, Kampala 11 July 2024
These meetings highlight MARC SE-Africa’s dedication to fostering collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, which are essential for developing effective strategies against malaria resistance in the region. The insights gained, and partnerships forged during this trip are expected to be instrumental in shaping policy and practical interventions in the ongoing battle against malaria.
