The impact of our research
Our researchers have tested more than 10 new anti-malarial drugs in Phase I clinical trials in collaboration with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and other international partners.
As part of these studies, we have gained new insights into the disease and its effect on humans. Our state-of-the-art pathogen and insect containment facilities enable studies on mosquito-parasite interactions and testing of new control measures aimed at the mosquito vector.
Our researchers aim to test new anti-malarial drugs for deployment in the field and improve anti-parasitic immune responses to help prevent and control disease.
"Malaria is a disease of massive inequity with over half of all deaths globally occurring in only four countries.” – Associate Professor Bridget Barber
The good-for-nothing mosquito. The Anopheles (literally translates as good for nothing) Mosquito are the genus of mosquitoes which spread malaria to humans.
The ancient Romans named it Malaria – literally “bad air” because they believed the disease was spread by a miasma – unhealthy air.
About malaria
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations, including children under five and pregnant women.
Current efforts to control malaria have stalled, with malaria incidence stable since 2015. Insecticide resistance is a growing problem that threatens the effectiveness of current malaria control measures, threatening what progress has been made.
Growing resistance to anti-malarial drugs jeopardises the effectiveness of current treatments, and increases the burden of the disease, particularly in regions where it is endemic.
If we are to eliminate malaria, new approaches are needed to improve current vaccine candidates and drug treatments.
The highest rates of malaria transmission are in Africa, south of the Sahara, and parts of Oceania including Papua New Guinea. In these areas infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly are most at risk of contracting malaria.
Symptoms of malaria can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Vomiting or nausea
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
Multiple medicines are used to prevent and treat malaria, however over the last decade malaria has developed partial resistance to one of the most common medications used to treat it. This is a threat to global malaria controls.
Australia was declared malaria free in 1981, but our climate makes us vulnerable to a return of one of the deadliest diseases.