Call for Research Proposals: Malaria RCS in Africa
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Call for Proposals for Malaria Research Capability Strengthening
(RCS) in Africa
TDR invites applications for proposals to the newly established Task
Force on Malaria Research Capability Strengthening (Malaria RCS) in
Africa. The Task Force represents TDR's share of responsibility for
organizing effective strategic activities required for the implemen-
tation of the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria in Africa (MIM).
A Multilateral Initiative on Malaria in Africa was initiated in Da-
kar, Senegal, in January 1997, and a renewed commitment of African
governments to fight malaria was made in Harare at the summit of the
Organization of African Unity in June 1997. This recognition of, and
commitment to, the public health problems of malaria underscores the
need for innovative approaches in developing new tools and novel
strategies and in applying available resources for better control of
malaria. Implementing intervention strategies for sustainable con-
trol of this disease thus requires the development, strengthening and
involvement of national research capacities. One objective of the MIM
is focused on harnessing and enhancing efforts to control malaria in
Africa through research capability strengthening and concerted ini-
tiatives, and the Task Force will promote human resource development
through research activities as an instrument for capacity strengthen-
ing in this context.
The objective of the Malaria RCS grants is to develop or strengthen
core African research groups (engaged in basic and/or applied sci-
ence), in developing effective control tools for malaria and in im-
proving relevant health policy strategies. In this context, the Task
Force considers that there is an urgent need to attract scientists
with new skills from Africa and elsewhere in order to foster genuine
partnerships based on national priorities, mutual scientific objec-
tives, complementary expertise, and shared responsibility. The part-
nerships will provide opportunities to study specific aspects of ma-
laria in multiple sites and/or to study malaria using a multidisci-
plinary approach in selective sites. Both approaches will be encour-
aged as well as their combination in research networks.
The Task Force will support relevant research projects or programmes
covering, but not limited to, the areas listed below, including
cross-cutting innovative approaches with potential impact on health
policy.
Antimalarial drug policy and chemotherapy:
- development of strategies for rapid mapping of drug resistance;
innovative approaches for preventing and retarding the spread of
resistance; definition of criteria for replacing first line drugs;
identification, selection and evaluation of alternative first and
second line chemotherapies (including combinations); and
development of new drugs based on clinical findings with
traditional phytomedicine.
Epidemiology:
- the use of new technologies to identify parasite diversity in
various settings; the relationship of parasite diversity to immune
responses and host resistance; analysis of the relationship between
transmission, infection, disease patterns and deaths in order to
design effective intervention strategies; development of
methodologies to measure the impact of interventions including
drugs, bednets and vaccines on disease and parasite diversity;
development of new approaches to testing vaccines and drugs in
different populations including adults; and development of simple
and rapid epidemiology mapping methods (e.g. based on clinical, age
and sex distributions).
Pathogenesis:
- studies on parasite-vector-host factors (including immune
responses) involved in severe disease and malaria in pregnancy,
with the aim of developing and promoting improved preventive and
case-management strategies.
Studies on vectors:
- application of newly developed molecular tools for studies on
vector biology, feeding behaviour, vectorial capacity, insecticide
resistance and population genetics with the aim of identifying and
developing effective strategies for vector control in focal, low
and high transmission settings; and screening of natural local
products for insecticide and repellant properties.
Health systems and operational research including social science:
- improvement of the home management of malaria based on community
knowledge and practices; development and adaptation of products to
enhance the case management of malaria at household level;
improvement of collaboration between public and private health
providers and the exploration of health sector reforms to enhance
malaria control strategies.
Project profile:
The malaria RCS grant proposal should be submitted and co-ordinated
by an African national scientist working in a research group in Af-
rica.
Proposals should include at least two African research partner insti-
tutions (one established and one emerging) and at least one non-
African partner, which could be an international institution in Af-
rica. The partnership profile and the research component of the proj-
ect should reflect strong training and capacity building requirements
within Africa and the contributions of each partner institution.
Proposals may be for a single collaborative project within one or
more countries or for a research programme comprising partnerships in
different regions or areas of expertise. Each application must jus-
tify proposed scientific and capacity building objectives and ex-
pected outcomes.
Only one proposal per scientist as Principal Investigator will be ac-
cepted.
Funding:
Based on an expected funding of approximately US$ 3 million for this
initiative, from contributions made by several governments and agen-
cies, the Task Force envisages supporting 10-15 projects for a period
of one to three years (subject to annual review and satisfactory pro-
gress) with annual budgets ranging from US$ 50 000 to US$ 250 000.
Malaria RCS grants will be awarded on the basis of scientific merit,
relevance, and partnerships that promote capacity building and human
resource development in Africa. Funding can cover training within
the project, purchase of equipment strictly related to the investiga-
tion, supplies, national and international travel, patient costs, and
visiting experts. In addition to remuneration for personnel required
to carry out the project, the budget can include a special allowance
to support the Principal Investigator. Limited funding for justified
infrastructure refurbishment will also be considered.
Malaria RCS grant application forms are available from TDR and WHO
country representative offices. Application forms can be requested by
e-mail, or can be down-loaded from the Internet at:
htpp://www.who.ch/programmes/tdr
Please follow the instructions for completing the application, and do
not exceed the page limits. Applications will be reviewed by the Task
Force and external referees, and the results communicated in March
1998.
All applications MUST be received by 15 January at the following ad-
dress:
Dr. Fabio Zicker, Manager
Task Force on Malaria Research Capability Strengthening in Africa
UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for
Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR)
World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
Tel: +41-22-791-3805 / 3908
Fax: +41-22-791-4854
Telegram: UNISANTE-GENEVA
Telex: 415416 OMS
mailto:zickerf@who.ch
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