Page 85 - SAMRC Annual Report 2023-24

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Malaria Research Group

Platform director:
Prof. Rajendra Maharaj

Prioritising responsive research funded the scale-up of IRS to reduce disease
through impactful interventions burden. Funds were also used to measure the
impact of IRS on disease transmission. The
The Malaria Research Group (MRG) is committed to study revealed IRS provided good coverage of
(1) Ensuring all South Africans have access to quality, targeted houses and subsequently protected
safe, effective, affordable malaria interventions resident populations.
through timely and sustainable initiatives that
reinforce the elimination agenda, (2) To generate (iii) Determining the efficacy of Transfluthrin on
new knowledge and tools to further the malaria Anopheles Arabiensis over 28 Days using sticker
elimination agenda, and (3). To provide a platform envelope that releases the active ingredient. This
for malaria scientists in-country and sub-regionally trial investigated Transfluthrin as an alternative to
to share research that contributes to NdoH's current tools used in malaria control programmes.
elimination agenda. Results revealed that the product was effective
under laboratory conditions.
Our projects over the 2023/24 reporting period,
include: (iv) Laboratory trial to determine the efficacy of a
new IRS Insecticide:SYN54707 WP. The aim of the
(i) Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative 2 – trial was to determine the effectiveness of a new
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) is the main tool insecticide on different surfaces. Results showed
employed in South Africa to control vectors the insecticide was effective on four different
and reduce malaria transmission. For successful surface types over 12 months.
control it is vital to determine the resistance
profile of vectors. The project aimed to
determine the insecticide resistance profile of
vectors in three endemic provinces of Limpopo,
Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Laboratory
tests revealed field-collected mosquitoes were
vulnerable to insecticides used by provincial
control programmes. This influences vector
control policy.
(ii) Source reduction of malaria incidence in southern
Mozambique. Monitoring and evaluation of the
indoor residual spraying (IRS) programme in
selected districts in southern Mozambique. MRG
was awarded a R14 million tender by NDoH to MRG Insectary: Advancing Lab Trials for
monitor and evaluate the quality and impact of Malaria Research.
IRS in three districts in Mozambique. The grant

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