December 2006 Report
Summary:
December experienced a continuing momentum and expansion of research and infrastructural development activities.
Staff house C was almost completely roofed, while bricklaying proceeded expeditiously at the dormitory site.
In the MIAM laboratory, molecular assays for Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance genes were in progress, together with MSP genotyping work to support the National Malaria Control Centre (NMCC) drug efficacy surveillance programme. The new Entomologist, Mr. Musapa Mulenga returned from training sessions at Hopkins and in Dr. Richard Hunt and Maureen Coetzee labs in South Africa. Jay Sikalima started work as a Laboratory Technician for MIAM after completing MIAM sponsored laboratory training in Ndola.
A three-day good clinical practice (GCP) training workshop was run by Dr Janneke van Dijk and Dr Biemba, from Churches and Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ). The Southern Province Minister toured Macha hospital and MIAM facilities on December 27.
MIAM representation was invited to the third WHO Monitoring and Evaluation Resource Group (MERG) meeting held in Livingstone from December 12 - 14, 2006. The WHO Secretariat and MACEPA affirmed at the meeting that resources would be made available for MIAM to lead monitoring and evaluation for a pilot intensified malaria control scale up in Choma district.
I - General Site Development and Maintenance
The momentum of infrastructural development continued to increase on the campus site. Maintenance works were also demanding. The site generator had to run on a frequent basis, as unpredictable power outages were rampant in December. Having received several downpours of rain, grounds-persons were working arduously to maintain the lush green vegetation trimmed on the site and help keep out snakes.
II - Construction of Buildings
A speedy pace of construction activity was sustained as in the previous months. By the end of December, House C was almost roofed to completion (see Pictures - Fig 1). Bricklaying for the dormitory was well under way (see Pictures - Figs 2a and 2b), while preparations were made to pour the concrete slab for the kitchen and dining wing.
III - Information Technology
There was steady internet access for most of December. However, there was a rather extensive period of instability in the latter part the month, especially during power outages.
IV - Vehicles/Transport
The Condor was still in Lusaka for repairs. The Pajero IO was running well by month-end, after replacement of a worn clutch plate. Hauling for construction continued to be undertaken with the aging lorry despite some missing leaf springs.
A new 4x4 Ford Everest was purchased from the Vehicle Centre in Lusaka, to cater for additional vehicle needs of the Epidemiology project by Dr. Moss and Dr. Shah. The Everest would be collected from Lusaka in early January, 2007. Plans were also in place to procure a new motor cycle for the same project.
Finally, the newer Mitsubishi Fuso lorry procured by MIAM arrived in Durban and Mr. Douglas Haadinke and Stembridge Mweetwa departed on December 26 to bring the new truck to Macha. It was expected that these new acquisitions would be in time to help ensure adequate transport for the expanding research programmes during the forthcoming malaria seasons.
V - Research Activities
Laboratory work was quite intense during the month of December. The main activities included extractions of DNA from archival malaria parasites on old thick films to track the evolution of drug-resistant alleles. The Laboratory Scientist Taida Kumwenda was also busy genotyping large numbers of NMCC samples using MSP polymorphic markers, to support the national drug efficacy surveillance programme.
Field data collection was under way for the Entomology project by Dr. Doug Norris and the Demographic Reconnaissance project by Dr Shiff, while planning was being finalized for the other main studies. Assessments were made for projected Coartem stocks in the Macha Hospital pharmacy, to assist in planning for the Epidemiology project, while interviews were actively carried out to recruit more field workers.
Dr. Janneke van Dijk and Dr. Godfrey Biemba (CHAZ) conducted a three-day good clinical and research practice (GCP) training workshop, which was very successful and well attended by a diverse spectrum of research and clinical staff.
Dr. Mharakurwa attended the third WHO Monitoring and Evaluation Resource Group (MERG) meeting held in Livingstone from December 12 - 14. MIAM background and M&E experiences were presented, as part of the Zambian contingent at the meeting. MIAM was tasked to prepare a budgeted plan for leading intervention as well as M&E for an intensified malaria control scale-up in Choma district around Macha. Resources were committed by MACEPA and the RBM Secretariat.
VI - Personnel
Two new members of staff joined MIAM, with a third expected in early 2007. Mr. Musapa Mulenga joined MIAM as an entomologist after he returned from Entomology training at Hopkins as well as in Dr. Richard Hunt and Maureen Coetzee labs in South Africa. Mr. Jay Sikalima started work as a Laboratory Technician after completing MIAM sponsored Laboratory technology training in Ndola. Miss Sandra Chishimba accepted a Laboratory technical appointment and was due to start work in the New Year.
VII - Other
The Minister for the Southern Province officially toured Macha Hospital and MIAM facilities in late December.