Closer than ever

Apr 27th, 2010 9:57 AM UTC
By ONE Partners

Here’s the latest post in our blog series around World Malaria Day from Dr. John Lusingu. Dr. Lusingu is a Principal Investigator with the Joint Malaria Programme, a collaboration between National Institute for Medical Research of Tanzania, the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Copenhagen.

This World Malaria Day, I’m reporting from Korogwe, Tanzania where I am working with families who are participating in a Phase 3 trial for a malaria vaccine candidate.

The trial—currently underway at 11 sites in seven African countries—could bring us closer than ever to having the world’s first malaria vaccine. Phase 3 is one of the final stages before regulatory approval and eventual availability.

Here at Korogwe, a team of researchers and clinicians have been collaborating closely with community leaders, families and local and national governments for nearly a year to conduct this trial to the highest standards. In this photo, I stand with the first vaccinated child here in Korogwe.

Our team is part of the Clinical Trials Partnership Committee – a network of world-class African researchers – that are leading the trial on the ground in Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.

Malaria has a devastating impact on African communities. A vaccine against malaria has been a long-held goal and could save thousands of lives every year. It would complement existing tools such as bed nets, spraying and treatments.

This morning, as I spoke to the families who are partners in our work, I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to witness history in the making. I hope to keep all of you updated as we move forward and make the malaria vaccine a reality.

-Dr. John Lusingu, Principal Investigator, Joint Malaria Programme

For a closer look at the malaria vaccine trial, don’t miss the video below:

TAGS: From Our Partners, World Malaria Day 2010