AFRO-NETS> Invitation: Study on Artesunate deployment in malaria management

[Dieter Neuvians MD <neuvians@mweb.co.zw>]

Invitation: Study on Artesunate deployment in malaria management
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Source: tdr-scientists@who.ch


Impact of large-scale rectal artesunate deployment in the emergency 
management of malaria

Invitation for statements of interest to participate in a collabora-
tive multicountry study

WHO is inviting letters of interest from scientists interested in 
participating in a collaborative study to assess the impact of large-
scale rectal artesunate deployment in the emergency management of non 
per os ('not through the mouth') treatment of malaria.

Background

WHO has directed the development of a new drug likely to offer con-
siderable survival benefit for malaria patients who presently die 
from lack of immediate access to appropriate treatment. The antima-
larial in question is a rectal formulation of artesunate, which 
achieves rapid and substantial (99-100%) reduction of parasitaemia 
within 24 hours of administration. It permits emergency treatment of 
patients who cannot take drugs by mouth and who do not have immediate 
access to injectable treatment (normally only available in a hospital 
or district clinic).

WHO is now preparing for large-scale implementation programmes to 
take the drug into use and to gain further understanding of how best 
it should be used to achieve its potential impact. The focus of the 
proposed programme will be at community and district level and the 
informed and willing participation of communities and health profes-
sionals will be essential for its success.

Country selection / participation

WHO is inviting indication from countries interested in participating 
in a collaborative programme to take this drug into use and monitor-
ing its effect. Collaboration in the development of relevant health 
education materials and an information system that will support pol-
icy and quantify impact will be required. Approximately five coun-
tries will be selected on the basis of:

- Endemic Plasmodium falciparum malaria 
- Interest and potential to develop education materials and data col-
  lection at district level 
- Expected commitment to the programme at all levels of the health 
  service 
- Willingness to collaborate with other participating countries, and 
  to share results.

How to apply

Applications, which should be brief, need to include reference to the 
following:

- Professional details of the Principal Investigator(s) and their in-
  stitution(s). Full contact details (mail, telephone and fax), and 
  email addresses should be provided

- Confirmation of expected participation of the Ministry of Health

- Identification and a brief description off the malaria endemic dis-
  tricts / regions to be studied.

- Confirmation of willingness to collaborate in introduction of ap-
  propriate information systems, data collection, and health education 
  programmes.

Applicants from countries requiring national endorsement should sub-
mit their applications through proper government channels. A copy of 
all applications should be sent to the WHO Representative's Office in 
their home country for information purposes.

Please send letters of interest to:

Dr Melba Gomes
Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)
World Health Organization
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-791-3813
Fax: +41-22-791-4774
mailto:gomesm@who.int

Applications can be sent by email, fax or mail. If applications are 
sent by fax or email followed by mail, please mark the mail copy 
"confirmation of fax/email".

Deadline for receipt of letters: 29th March 2002 (deadline extended)

For further information, please contact Dr Melbba Gomes

Related info

- TDR Progress 1999-2000. Drug development: rectal artesunate
- TDR Progress 1999-2000. Treatment for severe malaria
- Roll Back Malaria website

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