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The MRTC is now viewed as a unique
organization, a truly African operation where the work is planned, directed and
executed by Malian staff. Indeed the MRTC was presented as a model for future
development efforts at the Second International Meeting of the Multilateral
Initiative on Malaria (MIM) held in 2000 in Durban.
In March 1998, President Clinton
in a speech in Kampala singled out the MRTC of Mali for recognition and made
the promise of continued support.
The MRTC is involved in all
aspects of research on malaria. All work at the MRTC is directed at the
development and testing of appropriate strategies for the eventual control of
malaria and the reduction of the burden of disease in the people of Mali, the
region, and all of Africa. The MRTC program is based on the clear understanding
that not enough is known today to control malaria in Africa, and most current
programs are failing because of a lack of adequate tools and techniques. The
MRTC seeks to bring to bear the best available methodologies and cutting edge
technologies for understanding and attacking this difficult problem.
It is important to note that the
MRTC serves as the primary research and training arm of the Ministry of Health
for malaria. The MRTC works closely with the Coordinator of the National
Malaria Control Program, a graduate of the 1998 MRTC International Malaria
Training course.
The MRTC maintains field research
sites in all regions of Mali and is currently conducting major studies in
Mopti, Koro, Niono, Bandiagara, Bancoumana, Sotuba, Doneguebougou, Sikasso and
Kidal.
In addition, the MRTC will develop
a clinical trials center at the Doneguebougou and Sotuba vaccine trial site and
has developed a major field research center to support field studies and
vaccine trials in Bandiagara. The MRTC motorpool
consists of twelve 4-wheel drive vehicles. These vehicles are critical to the
support of field activities of the MRTC.
The following is a brief summary
of some of the activities currently underway at the MRTC:
