Projects
Severe Malaria/Severe childhood illness study
Study title: Severe Malaria/ Severe childhood illness study
Duration: 3-4 years (October 2006 to October 2010), with possible extension.
Funding: MalariaGEN consortium, University of Western Australia, PNG IMR
Collaborators: MalariaGEN, University of Western Australia, WEHI, others
Location: Madang Province
Description of study: This is a genetic epidemiology study of severe malaria. We are doing a prospective case control study where every severe malaria case is matched to healthy community controls. The aim of the study is to determine the association between known and novel host genetic traits and the risk of severe malarial illness. This would lead to identification of critical mechanisms of protective immunity against malaria. On the ground level, we are fortunate to have a senior research fellow and Infectious disease physician, Dr Laurens Manning. Through his expertise we now provide all the laboratory support for Modilon hospital paediatrics ward ranging form haematology, biochemistry to microbiology. We have been doing surveillances for the last 2 years. We are now branching out to include all severe childhood illnesses including numerous sub-studies.
Wosera HDSS
Study title: The Wosera Health and Demographic Surveillance Site
Fund: AusAID
Collaborator: INDEPTH network
Location: East Sepik province
Duration: 1990 - present
Description: The Wosera HDSS covers a total of 29 study villages and 13000 population (~ 550 km2). The collection of core demographic parameters is carried out using annual census and monthly updates. The main purpose of the Wosera demography is to support ongoing malaria research and lately as health monitoring tools (maternal health, vaccination and bed-net).
National ITN Distribution Project
Study title: Papua New Guinea/The Global Fund Malaria Control Program Evaluation
Fund: Global Fund Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)
Location: Country wide (17 provinces/33 districts)
Duration: 2008 – 2010
Description: Supported by the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, long-lasting insecticidetreated mosquito nets (LLIN) have been distributed for free in villages throughout PNG since 2004. PNG-IMR is evaluating the implementation and the health impact of this program. Central indicators are the LLIN coverage of children under five years and pregnant women and the impact of the nets on key health indicators. For this purpose, PNG-IMR is conducting household surveys in over 80 villages in 38 districts throughout PNG. Six sentinel sites are being set up for a before-after evaluation of the LLIN introduction and the National Health Information System will provide further evidence of the impact of the program.
About PNGIMR
Fogarty Program
