Global Health Hub: news and blogosphere aggregator » Malaria http://www.globalhealthhub.org Keeping up with global health & development news, blogosphere, forums, events, jobs and more Thu, 23 May 2013 14:30:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Malaria Overstretching Healthcare in DRC http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/malaria-overstretching-healthcare-in-drc/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/malaria-overstretching-healthcare-in-drc/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 13:59:39 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=97260 Gaps in the healthcare system in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are hampering the fight against malaria, a leading killer of children, say experts.

via allAfrica.com: Congo-Kinshasa: Malaria Overstretching Healthcare in DRC (Page 1 of 3).

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/malaria-overstretching-healthcare-in-drc/feed/ 0 Polymorphism of the parasite lactate dehydrogenase gene from Plasmodium… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/polymorphism-of-the-parasite-lactate-dehydrogenase-gene-from-plasmodium/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/polymorphism-of-the-parasite-lactate-dehydrogenase-gene-from-plasmodium/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/polymorphism-of-the-parasite-lactate-dehydrogenase-gene-from-plasmodium/

Background: Assaying for the parasitic lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) is widely used as a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), but the efficacy of its serological effectiveness in diagnosis, that is antibody detection ability, is not known. The genetic variation of Korean isolates was analysed, and recombinant protein pLDH was evaluated as a serodiagnostic antigen for the detection of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Methods: Genomic DNA was purified, and the pLDH gene of P. vivax was amplified from blood samples from 20 patients. The samples came from five epidemic areas: Bucheon-si, Gimpo-si, and Paju-si of Gyeonggi Province, Gangwha-gun of Incheon metropolitan city, and Cheorwon-gun of Gangwon Province, South Korea, from 2010 to 2011.

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Polymorphism of the parasite lactate dehydrogenase gene from Plasmodium…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/polymorphism-of-the-parasite-lactate-dehydrogenase-gene-from-plasmodium/feed/ 0 Routine parallel diagnosis of malaria using microscopy and the malaria… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/routine-parallel-diagnosis-of-malaria-using-microscopy-and-the-malaria/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/routine-parallel-diagnosis-of-malaria-using-microscopy-and-the-malaria/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/routine-parallel-diagnosis-of-malaria-using-microscopy-and-the-malaria/

Background: Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are commonly used in Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) programmes to detect acute malaria infection. Programmes in regions with both Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum malaria (i.e. Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium vivax) use a three-band P. falciparum/Pan test such as the SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan 05FK60 (Standard Diagnostics, Kyonggi, Republic of Korea), hereafter referred to as SD 05FK60, as used by the MSF-Holland clinics in Rakhine state, Myanmar. In spite of published reports of generally good test performance, medical and paramedical staff on the ground often doubt the diagnostic accuracy of these RDTs.

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Routine parallel diagnosis of malaria using microscopy and the malaria…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/21/routine-parallel-diagnosis-of-malaria-using-microscopy-and-the-malaria/feed/ 0 Scientists Race to Contain Malaria: New Discoveries, More Resistance http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/scientists-race-to-contain-malaria-new-discoveries-more-resistance/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/scientists-race-to-contain-malaria-new-discoveries-more-resistance/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 13:19:08 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=97079 Two new medical discoveries are raising hopes of containing malaria – the mosquito-borne parasitic disease that each year infects more than 200 million people and claims an estimated 660 thousand lives.  Meantime, the World Health Organization is warning about dire consequences if a drug-resistant form of malaria spreads beyond southeast Asia.

via Scientists Race to Contain Malaria: New Discoveries, More Resistance.

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/scientists-race-to-contain-malaria-new-discoveries-more-resistance/feed/ 0 Characterizing PvARP, a novel Plasmodium vivax antigen http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/characterizing-pvarp-a-novel-plasmodium-vivax-antigen/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/characterizing-pvarp-a-novel-plasmodium-vivax-antigen/#comments Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/characterizing-pvarp-a-novel-plasmodium-vivax-antigen/

Background: Plasmodium vivax continues to be the most widely distributed malarial parasite species in tropical and sub-tropical areas, causing high morbidity indices around the world. Better understanding of the proteins used by the parasite during the invasion of red blood cells is required to obtain an effective vaccine against this disease. This study describes characterizing the P. vivax asparagine-rich protein (PvARP) and examines its antigenicity in natural infection. Methods: The target gene in the study was selected according to a previous in silico analysis using profile hidden Markov models which identified P.

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Characterizing PvARP, a novel Plasmodium vivax antigen

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/20/characterizing-pvarp-a-novel-plasmodium-vivax-antigen/feed/ 0 Malaria in Malawi: 200 Cases a Day http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/malaria-in-malawi-200-cases-a-day/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/malaria-in-malawi-200-cases-a-day/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 14:14:00 +0000 PIH http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=96766

Photo: Rebecca E. Rollins/Partners In Health Two hundred people: That’s the average number of patients testing positive for malaria each day of the month-long rainy season at a single hospital in Malawi. Malaria attacks red blood cells, which become infected by parasite-carrying mosquitos. Photo: Rebecca E. Rollins/Partners In Health Once inside the bloodstream, the parasites multiply in the liver, causing flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills.

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Malaria in Malawi: 200 Cases a Day

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/malaria-in-malawi-200-cases-a-day/feed/ 0 A potential threat to malaria elimination: extensive deltamethrin and DDT… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/a-potential-threat-to-malaria-elimination-extensive-deltamethrin-and-ddt/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/a-potential-threat-to-malaria-elimination-extensive-deltamethrin-and-ddt/#comments Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/a-potential-threat-to-malaria-elimination-extensive-deltamethrin-and-ddt/

Background: Insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is a growing concern in many countries and requires immediate attention because of the limited chemical arsenal available for vector control. There is lack of systematic and standard monitoring data of malaria vector resistance in the endemic areas, which is essential for the ambitious goal of malaria elimination programme of China. Methods: In 2010, eight provinces from different malaria endemic region were selected for study areas. Bioassays were performed on F1 progeny of Anopheles sinensis reared from wild-caught females using the standard WHO susceptibility test with diagnostic concentrations of 0.25% deltamethrin and 4% DDT.

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A potential threat to malaria elimination: extensive deltamethrin and DDT…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/17/a-potential-threat-to-malaria-elimination-extensive-deltamethrin-and-ddt/feed/ 0 Highlights from the Malaria in Pregnancy Working Group’s annual meeting http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/highlights-from-the-malaria-in-pregnancy-working-groups-annual-meeting/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/highlights-from-the-malaria-in-pregnancy-working-groups-annual-meeting/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 22:10:00 +0000 Maternal Health Task force http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/highlights-from-the-malaria-in-pregnancy-working-groups-annual-meeting/

Written by Samantha Lattof, MHTF Senior Research and Evaluation Manager Despite encouraging progress, coverage of malaria control efforts among pregnant women remains low. Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) continues to be a substantial contributor to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in … Continue reading →

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Highlights from the Malaria in Pregnancy Working Group’s annual meeting

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/highlights-from-the-malaria-in-pregnancy-working-groups-annual-meeting/feed/ 0 Cross Post: How multiple small steps change lives: Inside P&G’s… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/cross-post-how-multiple-small-steps-change-lives-inside-pgs/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/cross-post-how-multiple-small-steps-change-lives-inside-pgs/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 14:34:21 +0000 PSIHealthyLives http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=96557 Procter & Gamble’s flagship social initiative has helped save the lives of 30,000 children globally. Katharine Earley explores how the firm is using the program to engage consumers and meet its goals. This originally appears on 2 Degrees Network here. As the global water crisis intensifies, some 780 million people lack access to safe water, while nearly 2,000 children under the age of five die from water and sanitation-related diarrheal diseases every day. That is more than from HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Increasingly, major companies are tackling fundamental health and development issues, including safe drinking water, as they move beyond cutting their own impacts to make a positive contribution to society

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Cross Post: How multiple small steps change lives: Inside P&G’s…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/cross-post-how-multiple-small-steps-change-lives-inside-pgs/feed/ 0 Malaria infected mosquitoes more attracted to human odor than uninfected mosquitoes http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/malaria-infected-mosquitoes-more-attracted-to-human-odor-than-uninfected-mosquitoes/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/malaria-infected-mosquitoes-more-attracted-to-human-odor-than-uninfected-mosquitoes/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 14:19:58 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=96663 Scientists will attempt to find out how malaria parasites manipulate their mosquito hosts after discovering that smell could be a major factor.

via Malaria infected mosquitoes more attracted to human odor than uninfected mosquitoes.

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/malaria-infected-mosquitoes-more-attracted-to-human-odor-than-uninfected-mosquitoes/feed/ 0 Providing open access data online to advance malaria research and control http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/providing-open-access-data-online-to-advance-malaria-research-and-control/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/providing-open-access-data-online-to-advance-malaria-research-and-control/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/providing-open-access-data-online-to-advance-malaria-research-and-control/

Background: To advance research on malaria, the outputs from existing studies and the data that fed into them need to be made freely available. This will ensure new studies can build on the work that has gone before. These data and results also need to be made available to groups who are developing public health policies based on up-to-date evidence. The Malaria Atlas Project (MAP) has collated and geopositioned over 50,000 parasite prevalence and vector occurrence survey records contributed by over 3,000 sources including research groups, government agencies and non-governmental organizations worldwide. This paper describes the results of a project set up to release data gathered, used and generated by MAP

Original article - 

Providing open access data online to advance malaria research and control

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/providing-open-access-data-online-to-advance-malaria-research-and-control/feed/ 0 Evaluation of the 2011 long-lasting, insecticide-treated net distribution… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/evaluation-of-the-2011-long-lasting-insecticide-treated-net-distribution/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/evaluation-of-the-2011-long-lasting-insecticide-treated-net-distribution/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/evaluation-of-the-2011-long-lasting-insecticide-treated-net-distribution/

Background: Malaria remains a substantial public health problem in Togo. An integrated child health campaign was conducted in Togo in October 2011. This campaign included a component of free distribution of 2,799,800 long-lasting, insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) to households throughout Togo. This distribution marked the first effort in Togo at universal LLIN coverage and was not targeted specifically to children under five years and pregnant women, but to all household members.

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Evaluation of the 2011 long-lasting, insecticide-treated net distribution…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/evaluation-of-the-2011-long-lasting-insecticide-treated-net-distribution/feed/ 0 Fulani show decreased susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/fulani-show-decreased-susceptibility-to-plasmodium-falciparum-infection/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/fulani-show-decreased-susceptibility-to-plasmodium-falciparum-infection/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/fulani-show-decreased-susceptibility-to-plasmodium-falciparum-infection/

Background: The Fulani ethnic group is known to have a lower susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection than the Mossi. Methods: This commentary describes data from a recent cluster-randomized trial of community-wide screening and treatment of asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum in 18 villages in Sapone, Burkina Faso. Results: The Fulani groups had a lower proportion of asymptomatic carriers at any occasion, a lower density of asexual forms and gametocytes of P. falciparum at baseline, and, in children under five years of age, lower rates of symptomatic malaria episodes per person-year than the Mossi.Discussion and conclusion: These data confirm previously reported differences in P

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Fulani show decreased susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/16/fulani-show-decreased-susceptibility-to-plasmodium-falciparum-infection/feed/ 0 Global Fund Approves Funding for Phase 2 of Two Malaria Grants to Ghana http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/15/global-fund-approves-funding-for-phase-2-of-two-malaria-grants-to-ghana/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/15/global-fund-approves-funding-for-phase-2-of-two-malaria-grants-to-ghana/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 14:29:48 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=96460 The Global Fund Board has approved funding for Phase 2 of two malaria grants to Ghana – in amounts of $90.6 million for the grant managed by Anglo Gold Ashanti, and $55.8 million for the grant administered by the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) within the Ministry of Health. In approving the funding, the Board was acting on recommendations from the Grant Approvals Committee (GAC).

via allAfrica.com: Ghana: Global Fund Approves Funding for Phase 2 of Two Malaria Grants to Ghana.

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/15/global-fund-approves-funding-for-phase-2-of-two-malaria-grants-to-ghana/feed/ 0 Malaria: finding a preventive strategy that African countries can afford http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/15/malaria-finding-a-preventive-strategy-that-african-countries-can-afford/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/15/malaria-finding-a-preventive-strategy-that-african-countries-can-afford/#comments Wed, 15 May 2013 14:16:43 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=96421 In countries where health services are fragmented, there are still ways to bridge the gap between the needs of malaria survivors with neurological impairment and the resources available

via Malaria: finding a preventive strategy that African countries can afford | Global Development Professionals Network | Guardian Professional.

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/15/malaria-finding-a-preventive-strategy-that-african-countries-can-afford/feed/ 0 Toxic waste is on par with malaria as global killer http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/13/toxic-waste-is-on-par-with-malaria-as-global-killer/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/13/toxic-waste-is-on-par-with-malaria-as-global-killer/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 13:17:00 +0000 Humanosphere http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=95980 Toxic waste sites “fly under the radar” in terms of public health awareness and action. Little research has been done on the health impacts of chemical pollutants in developing countries. Source: Ipsnews Toxic Waste on Par with Malaria as a Global Killer – Toxic waste sites in 31 countries are damaging the brains of nearly … Continue reading →

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Toxic waste is on par with malaria as global killer

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/13/toxic-waste-is-on-par-with-malaria-as-global-killer/feed/ 0 Web Tool Tracks Insecticide-Resistant Malaria Mosquitoes http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/13/web-tool-tracks-insecticide-resistant-malaria-mosquitoes/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/13/web-tool-tracks-insecticide-resistant-malaria-mosquitoes/#comments Mon, 13 May 2013 13:09:06 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=96080 An online mapping system to track insecticide resistance in malaria-causing mosquitoes around the world has been launched.

via allAfrica.com: Africa: Web Tool Tracks Insecticide-Resistant Malaria Mosquitoes (Page 1 of 2).

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/13/web-tool-tracks-insecticide-resistant-malaria-mosquitoes/feed/ 0 A member of the Plasmodium falciparum PHIST family binds to the erythrocyte… http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/11/a-member-of-the-plasmodium-falciparum-phist-family-binds-to-the-erythrocyte/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/11/a-member-of-the-plasmodium-falciparum-phist-family-binds-to-the-erythrocyte/#comments Sat, 11 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000 Malaria Journal http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/11/a-member-of-the-plasmodium-falciparum-phist-family-binds-to-the-erythrocyte/

Background: Plasmodium falciparum parasites export more than 400 proteins into the cytosol of their host erythrocytes. These exported proteins catalyse the formation of knobs on the erythrocyte plasma membrane and an overall increase in erythrocyte rigidity, presumably by modulating the endogenous erythrocyte cytoskeleton. In uninfected erythrocytes, Band 4.1 (4.1R) plays a key role in regulating erythrocyte shape by interacting with multiple proteins through the three lobes of its cloverleaf-shaped N-terminal domain. In P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes, the C-lobe of 4.1R interacts with the P.

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A member of the Plasmodium falciparum PHIST family binds to the erythrocyte…

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/11/a-member-of-the-plasmodium-falciparum-phist-family-binds-to-the-erythrocyte/feed/ 0 Uganda launches largest malaria prevention campaign http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/10/uganda-launches-largest-malaria-prevention-campaign/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/10/uganda-launches-largest-malaria-prevention-campaign/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 14:33:05 +0000 Sara Gorman http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=95930

SOROTI, Uganda – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced today that it is supporting Uganda in the distribution of over 15.5 million long lasting insecticide-treated nets, making it the largest malaria prevention campaign this year.

An estimated 300-500 million people are infected with malaria each year worldwide. Most cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 2 million people dying each year.

“Malaria is common in over 95 percent of the population in the country,” said Hon. Sarah Opendi, Minister of State of Uganda.  “Uganda has the world’s highest malaria incidence, and the disease is the leading cause of sickness and death in Uganda. Through Uganda’s Universal Coverage Campaign we will be able to distribute one net every two people to be able to reduce malaria incidence in the country. We thank the Global Fund, the U.S., DFID and World Vision for supporting the distribution of 21 million nets.”

The Ministry of Health and its National Malaria Control Program aim to cut malaria-related deaths by 70 percent by the end of calendar year 2015. To meet this goal, at least 85 percent of the population must be reached with effective prevention and treatment measures, including proper, continual use of long lasting insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and ensuring preventive measures are addressed to most vulnerable populations like women and children.

“It is great to participate in the launch of this important campaign,” said Mark Eldon-Edington, Head of the Grant Management Division at the Global Fund. “This campaign will allow Uganda to reach the ambitious goal of decreasing malaria-related deaths. Our partnership, strong results, and effective stewardship of the resources, will provide the confidence to donors and recipients to continue to support the Global Fund in this replenishment year.”

Participants during the launching event included His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; Honorable Dr. Ondoa D. J. Christine, Minister of Health; the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Virginia M. Blaser; the Global Malaria Coordinator for the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Admiral Tim Ziemer;  the DFID/UKaid Head of Office for Uganda Daniel Graymore; and Mark Eldon-Edington, Head of the Grant Management Division at the Global Fund, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Health, members of parliament, and other development partners.

The campaign will begin in the eastern part of the country and continue to the central, western, and northern regions.

 

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/10/uganda-launches-largest-malaria-prevention-campaign/feed/ 0 Semi-Synthetic Artemisinin Promises to Boost Global Malaria Gains http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/10/semi-synthetic-artemisinin-promises-to-boost-global-malaria-gains/ http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/10/semi-synthetic-artemisinin-promises-to-boost-global-malaria-gains/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 13:51:35 +0000 GHHub http://www.globalhealthhub.org/?p=95898 The UN World Health Organization has accepted the first semi-synthetic version of artemisinin, the key ingredient for malaria treatment globally, for use in the manufacture of drugs, boosting hopes that more people will have access to life-saving medication.

via allAfrica.com: Africa: Semi-Synthetic Artemisinin Promises to Boost Global Malaria Gains (Page 1 of 2).

]]> http://www.globalhealthhub.org/2013/05/10/semi-synthetic-artemisinin-promises-to-boost-global-malaria-gains/feed/ 0