MESA FORUM: Responding to the threat of malaria parasites evading HRP2-RDTs

[Version française disponible ici]

The MESA Alliance would like to invite you to participate in the upcoming forum, “Responding to the threat of malaria parasites evading HRP2-RDTs“.

Detection of Plasmodium falciparum relies heavily on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that target the antigen Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (HRP2). However, evidence has shown that malaria parasites in some locations have mutated so that they no longer produce this protein. These findings prompted the WHO to call for urgent action in addressing the threat posed by parasite strains undetectable by RDTs.

This virtual forum will provide an opportunity to engage National Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) and their implementing partners to review the status of this biological threat, pose any questions on the recommended procedures to implement surveillance activities, and receive information on available resources to tackle this challenge. The event will include interactive discussions and address the major concerns raised by stakeholders participating in the forum.

Date: 14th June 2022
Time: 2pm CEST/CAT
Place: Online
Duration: 1h30
* Avec traduction simultanée en FRANÇAIS

PANELISTS:

Chair: Deus Ishengoma – Principal Research Scientist (National Institute for Medical Research, Tanzania)

Jane Cunningham – Medical Officer, Global Malaria Programme (WHO)
Eric Rogier – Microbiologist, Malaria Branch (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA)
Dionicia Gamboa – Head of the Malaria Laboratory (Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru)
Selam Mihreteab – Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme (Ministry of Health, Eritrea)

AGENDA: 

Introduction: the problem

• Overview and relevance of pfhrp2/3-deletions – [DI]
• Facing a national challenge for malaria case management: the experience of Peru and Eritrea – [DG & SM]

Procedures: the response

• Suspecting and tracking pfhrp2/3-deletions – [JC]
• Approaches for screening and confirming pfhrp2/3-deletions – [ER]

Discussion: the challenges

• Open dialogue: questions from the participants will be gathered in advance* and during the forum, and used to guide the discussions

 

Please register to attend this event

*You can send us your questions through the Zoom registration form or via e-mail (mesa@isglobal.org)

Want to read more on this topic? Check this MESA resource compilation