African Scientists discuss progress on development of malaria vaccines

About 40 scientists have met in Tanzania to discuss progress made so far to develop malaria vaccines. Ten African countries are currently testing a malaria vaccine, RTSS, that could protect children and pregnant women from malaria. The meeting brought together leaders of the 10 sites as well as donors and International NGOs in malaria research in Africa. The Project Manager of Malaria Clinical Trials Alliance, MCTA, Prof. Fred Binka commended the research centers for the successes chalked up but admitted there are challenges like financial management and weak regulatory systems. He hoped that they would follow the rules to put in place strong regulatory systems to make the sites centers of excellence. The issue of lack of funds and how the sites can survive were major concerns. The scientists urged the sites to develop linkages with national strategies to make them sustainable. Site leaders also pledged to diversify into other research areas to make the sites sustainable. To provide guidance and support to the centers, the MCTA also identified some mentors and attached them to the centers. Prof. Brian Greenwood of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is one of the five mentors. He pledged to do his best to support the site in the Gambia which he is mentoring. Some of the countries carrying out the trials are Tanzania, Kenya, Gabon, the Gambia, Mozambique Burkina Faso, Malawi and Ghana.