A field-integrated research project for a community-led integrated strategy aimed at sustaining a malaria-free society

Regarding the “Malaria Eradication Center Activity Development”, last year dried blood filter paper samples and vector mosquito samples obtained from cross-sectional surveys of local residents were used to examine the status of malaria infection at the genetic level together with the microscope. This fiscal year, after completion of this analysis and preparing pre-intervention epidemiological data, epidemiological data will be continued to monitored after the start of economic intervention and vector mosquito control (ceiling mosquito net) intervention. In particular, at Mount Kenya University, a serological multiplex analysis system will be established to explore the contribution of immunity to symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infection. In relation to the “Integrated Malaria Eradication Strategy Development”, information exchange and cooperation will be promoted with various malaria-related projects in Homa Bay district.

Ways to move from research-based deployment to community-led deployment of ceiling-type mosquito nets will be discussed. Regarding the “development of malaria eradication center activities,” this year’s goal will be to establish an analysis laboratory within Homabay County Hospital and Mount Kenya University, and to start building a monitoring system that utilizes it. In the process until the on-site laboratory is established, the facilities of the Japanese research institute will be utilized, and the dried blood filter paper samples of local residents and the transmitted mosquito samples obtained from the cross-sectional survey will be used at the genetic level together with the microscope. Clarify the status of malaria infection. As a result, the goal is to prepare pre-intervention epidemiological data and start intervention trials. In connection with “Development of Integrated Malaria Eradication Strategy”, multiple research projects are planned and developed by various institutions in Homabay County, which we are studying. Therefore, this year, a forum for sharing information on malaria-related projects in the region, hosted by the Ministry of Health of Homabay County four times a year.Homa Bay County Malaria Technical Working With Group at the core, the goal is to establish a liaison meeting to collect necessary information for other projects and share the results of our research activities. In the process until the on-site laboratory is established, the facilities of the Japanese research institute will be utilized, and the dried blood filter paper samples of local residents and the transmitted mosquito samples obtained from the cross-sectional survey will be used at the genetic level together with the microscope. In this way, the preparation of pre-intervention epidemiological data is defined as the goal of the analysis. After the laboratory is further established, the operation of a molecular biological and serum epidemiological analysis system using whole blood samples instead of dry blood filter paper samples will be started. In connection with “Development of Integrated Malaria Eradication Strategy”, multiple research projects are planned and developed by various institutions in Homabay County, which we are studying. Therefore, this year, a forum for sharing information on malaria-related projects in the region, hosted by the Ministry of Health of Homabay County four times a year. Homa Bay County Malaria Technical Working With the Group at the core, the goal is to establish a liaison meeting to collect necessary information on other projects and share the results of our research activities. The conclusion of the agreement and consultation with the Kenyan counterpart for that purpose will be the highest priority. It is necessary to clarify the division of roles and collaboration contents of each researcher and research institution, including some system changes made at the end of last year. Clarify the necessary equipment for securing local human resources and medical facilities and research facilities that will serve as local activity bases. With regular meetings with Japanese collaborators, we will optimize intervention research protocols using mosquito control methods and behavioral economic methods, and design data integration systems. Furthermore, in order to strengthen the sample analysis system in Japan, a quantitative malaria infection analysis system will be launched and its effectiveness will be verified using existing field samples.

Combination of Interventions
Health Systems & Op. Research
Leadership & Governance
Service Delivery

Apr 2019 — Mar 2025

$802,585

Kenya