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Development of Innovative Research Technique in Genetic Epidemiology of Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases in Lao PDR for Containment of Their Expanding Endemicity

Infectious Diseases Control

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Finished

Development of Innovative Research Technique in Genetic Epidemiology of Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases in Lao PDR for Containment of Their Expanding Endemicity

Monitor Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases in Laos to Stop their Spread

Principal Investigator

- Director
  KANO Shigeyuki
  Department of Tropical Medicine and Malaria, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine
- Dr.
  Paul Brey
  Pasteur Institute of Laos (IPL)

ODA Recipient Country

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Research Institutions in Japan

National Center for Global Health and Medicine

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Pasteur Institute of Laos (IPL) / Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology(CMPE), Ministry of Health

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2013

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Molecular and genetic monitoring of parasitic diseases that threaten the people of Laos
The emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria are major issues in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The Lao PDR also needs to accelerate control against opisthorchiasis viverrini and schistosomiasis mekongi, which are still inflicting serious damage on the health of the people and the economy of the country. This project involves working with young Laotian researchers on molecular genetic epidemiology for these three significant parasitic diseases, with the aim of developing simple, rapid and precise diagnostic methods using LAMP techniques. The scientific evidence obtained by the project can then be used as the basis of policy proposals for the control of these diseases.

Controlling the spread of endemic parasitic diseases will boost the development of Laos and other countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion
The outcomes of this project will include new diagnostic methods for malaria and other parasitic diseases, and if systems for monitoring endemicity and controlling these diseases can be established, this will lead to improved health and greater food security for the people of Laos and the Greater Mekong Subregion. Furthermore, this has the potential to significantly boost economic growth through the creation of new industries such as fisheries and tourism.