Arba Minch University/AMU/ in collaboration with the Menzies School of Health Research in Australia launched capacity-building training in malaria genetic testing for instructors and experts from AMU’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences. This training marks a significant step towards revolutionizing malaria diagnosis and treatment in Ethiopia. Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Tamiru Shibru, the lead researcher from AMU, emphasizing the importance of this capacity building training said, "This training empowers our experts to conduct this vital testing in Ethiopia saving valuable time and resources. It's a crucial step towards more effective malaria control." Dr. Tamiru also noted that the training aims to build local capacity and provide rapid and cost-effective testing, improving patient care and accelerating research efforts for Plasmodium vivax, a particularly challenging form of malaria. According to him, the program is part of a broader research project spearheaded by the Menzies School of Health Research in Australia spanning four countries in Africa and Asia.
A trainee team member and coordinator from the Menzies School of Health Research highlighted that the vital role of the training is improving the treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Clinical trials conducted since 2000 have shown that combining chloroquine with primaquine can prevent malaria recurrence, she explained.
Menzies School of Health Research, Australia is currently leading multi-center clinical trials in four Asia-Pacific countries to optimize the use of primaquine for relapse prevention. The training provided in Arba Minch will contribute to the crucial DNA extraction process and the subsequent training sessions in Addis Ababa will also cover DNA sequencing, empowering Ethiopian experts to conduct the entire genetic testing process locally to avoid the current DNA sample sending to abroad for analysis which also leads to result delays and increased costs.
In a groundbreaking discovery, a new hidden life cycle of malaria, specifically Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, takes place in spleen of humans. This discovery has a significant implication for malaria eradication strategies.
The training program is not only revolutionizing malaria diagnosis and treatment but also creating opportunities for higher education for the participating university instructors. Based on their performance in the training process, they will be eligible to pursue their third degree education further strengthening Ethiopia's capacity to combat malaria and improve public health outcomes.
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