Vector borne Disease Research

Finding methods to diagnose, treat and prevent malaria are important components of our work

We conduct studies in order to understand and find new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent malaria, filariasis and other mosquito borne diseases.

The major studies include: clinical trial of new drugs for malaria and filariasis, malaria vaccine discovery , effects of long lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and monitoring of drug resistance.

We conduct in-depth studies of Plasmodium vivax; one of the four malaria parasites, and clinical trials on prevention of malaria in infants and pregnant women.

We have close links with PNG national and provincial malaria and disease control programs, and work with partners in Australia, Europe, USA and Asia.

Current Research projects

The ICEMR (International Centre of Excellence in Malaria Research) is a multi-country 7 year program that was recently renewed (2018-2024). The PNG component of the Asia Pacific ICEMR program focuses on the Epidemiology and Vector aspects of malaria transmission in the Pacific Region.

Funder: NIH, USA.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, Stephan Karl, William Pomat.

Stands for Stronger Surveillance and Systems Support for Rapid Identification and Containment of Resurgence or Resistant Vector Borne Pathogens in Papua New Guinea. The project is now in its initial phase of establishment and will be utilizing the partnership-based approach when conducting research in PNG.

Funder: DFAT, Australia.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, Stephan Karl, William Pomat.

The Death to Oncosacariosis and Lymphatic Filariasis (DOLF) study is trialing a triple drug regimen as a tool for Mass Drug Administration with the aim of elimination lymphatic filariasis in PNG. Following the efficacy and safety establishment of this regimen, effectiveness trials are now planned to begin in July of 2019.

Funder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, Stephan Karl, William Pomat.

This is a pediatric drug trial currently ongoing at the Alexishafen clinic which aims to identify the safety and efficacy of different dose regimens in order to improve the adherence to primaquine for the treatment of vivax malaria.

Funder: NHMRC, Australia.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, William Pomat.

Is a drug trial that is currently ongoing with and aims to optimize antimalarial therapy for both mothers and their babies. This study currently enrolls pregnant women at delivery at the Alexishafen clinic.

Funder: NHMRC, Australia.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, William Pomat.

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of a Rotating Magnetic Optic Device in quantifying Haemozoin in the blood of patients with malaria.

Funder: NHMRC, Australia.

PNGIMR PI: Stephan Karl, Moses Laman.

Is a partnership project between the governments of Australia, China and PNG. The project aims to strengthen malaria diagnosis and treatment through capacity building activities and operational research programs that aim to support the National Malaria Control Program of PNG.

Funder: DFAT Port Moresby.

PNGIMR PI: William Pomat, Moses Laman.

This is a sub-study funded by the trilateral malaria project that currently aims to investigate the impact of the malaria Mass Drug Administration in Kiriwina that was recently led by the Chinese Malaria team. This was requested by the National Health Department.

Funder: Trilateral Malaria Project.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, William Pomat.

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of the first-line antimalarial drugs (artemether-lumefantrine) currently used in PNG. This study is lead by the PNG National Department of Health in partnership with PNGIMR.

Funder: Global Fund.

PNGIMR PI: Livingstone Tavul, Moses Laman, William Pomat.

This study aims to investigate the predictive value of a new malaria RDT currently available on the market. This work is conducted as a partnership between PNGIMR and the Burnet Institute in Kokopo.

Funder: FIND.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, William Pomat.

This project aims to investigate the baseline prevalence of malaria both from a host and vector perspective prior to the use of Mass Drug Administration in Lihir Island.

Funder: Newcrest Mining and MMV.

PNGIMR PI: William Pomat, Stephan Karl, Moses Laman.

This study aims to investigate appropriate dose regimens for misoprostol as an induction of labour agent and will compose the main component of Dr John Bolnga’s Medical Doctorate Degree through the University of Papua New Guinea.

Funder: RANZCOG Foundation Scholarship, Australia.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman

This study aims to monitor the trends of severe malaria in children. This study is currently ongoing and is a sub-study of the ICEMR group of studies.

Funder: ICEMR, NIH, USA.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman.

This study aims to investigate the risk factors of malnutrition and their clinical outcomes during admission to Modilon Hospital:

Funder: No source of funding.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman, Elvin Lufele.

This group of studies investigates the impact of Mass Drug Administration for lymphatic filariasis in the Dreikikir area of East Sepik. Field work related to these studies has recently been completed.

Funder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USA.

PNGIMR PI: William Pomat, Moses Laman.

This study was a field based epidemiology study that aimed to investigate the host and vector determinants of residual malaria transmission in PNG. Field work related to this study has recently been completed. Laboratory work is ongoing at the present time.

Funder: TDR WHO.

PNGIMR PI: Moses Laman.

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