Page 98 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Malaria Research Group

UNIT DIRECTOR:

Prof. Rajendra Maharaj
rajendra.maharaj@mrc.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit The Unit’s key contributions include supporting
national malaria interventions through advanced
The Malaria Research Group (MRG) plays a central
role in advancing malaria control and elimination research and the training of emerging scientists;
across South Africa and the broader Southern leading cross-border initiatives such as the
African region. The Unit’s mission is to improve the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative, which
health and quality of life of communities in malaria- monitors malaria transmission and insecticide
endemic areas through high-quality scientific resistance in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-
research that informs policy, strengthens health Natal to inform national vector control policy; and
systems, supports health promotion, and builds collaborating with regional partners to support
research capacity. indoor residual spraying programmes in southern
Mozambique, significantly reducing imported
The MRG works closely with the National Department malaria cases into KwaZulu-Natal.
of Health to implement a prioritised national malaria
research agenda, enabling coordinated collaboration Overall, the MRG serves as a regional anchor for
among scientists, public health experts, and malaria research, driving innovation, collaboration,
policymakers. The Group is recognised as a and evidence-based policymaking to support South
regional leader in malaria research and has hosted Africa’s goal of achieving malaria elimination by 2030.
the Southern Africa Malaria Research Conference
for 10 consecutive years, providing an important Key Milestones and Achievements
platform for sharing scientific advances, surveillance The MRG’s overarching goal is to contribute
innovations, and malaria elimination strategies. towards a malaria-free South Africa by 2030
through research, surveillance, and evidence-based
interventions.

Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative 2
Mosquito resistance to insecticides remains a major
threat to malaria control efforts in endemic provinces.
Research conducted in Limpopo, Mpumalanga,
and KwaZulu-Natal assessed insecticide resistance
profiles of malaria vectors through susceptibility
testing. Findings showed that mosquito
populations remain susceptible to insecticides
currently used for indoor residual spraying (IRS). In
addition, larval source management interventions
were implemented across the three provinces.
Poster presentation at the 10th Annual These vector control interventions have positively
Southern Africa Malaria Research Conference.
contributed to reducing malaria transmission and
protecting at-risk populations.

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