MARC SE-Africa Delegates Engage in Malaria Resistance Mitigation Meetings in Uganda

Dr Stephanie van Wyk and Prof. Juliet Nakiganda attended the Malaria Situation Analysis writing and editing meeting at the Mulago Reference Hospital, Kampala 9 July 2024.

Kampala, Uganda – In July 2024, members of the Mitigating Antimalarial Resistance Consortium for South and East Africa (MARC SE-Africa) gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for a series of strategic meetings aimed at addressing the growing concerns about antimalarial drug resistance across the region.

The consortium's visit began with a drafting session on July 9th at the Mulago Reference Hospital. The Clinical Head of the Directorate of Medicine, Prof. Juliet Nakiganda, hosted the team for a comprehensive discussion. The session focused on writing and editing a detailed situation analysis, which is essential for informing future interventions. The situation analysis aimed to provide a detailed understanding of the current challenges and to forge pathways for future research and policy development. This document aimed to enhance malaria control programs' effectiveness and curb the spread of drug-resistant malaria in Uganda and the broader region.

Continuing their mission, MARC SE-Africa members Dr Stephanie van Wyk and Dr Joaniter Nankabirwa attended the Young Investigators Research Symposium, hosted by the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC), at the Golden Tulip Canaan Kampala Hotel on July 10th. This full-day event showcased innovative research from budding scientists and emphasised the importance of fresh perspectives in the fight against malaria.

The series of engagements wrapped up with the IDRC Research Dissemination Meeting on Research to Policy on July 11^th, held at the Protea Kampala Hotel. This meeting focused on sharing recent findings and strategies to combat malaria, drawing on the expertise of local and international researchers, funding bodies, and national malaria program managers.

These meetings highlight MARC SE-Africa’s dedication to fostering collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange, which are essential for developing effective strategies against malaria resistance in the region. The insights gained, and partnerships forged during this trip are expected to be instrumental in shaping policy and practical interventions in the ongoing battle against malaria.