Research activities
Development of Regional Research Framework to Strengthen Communicable Diseases Control and Elimination in the Western Pacific (2012-2016)
A Regional Research Framework was drafted by MVP in coordination with other units of DCC (STB, HSI and EPI). The purpose of this document is to provide a regional research framework for WHO's collaborations with governments, research institutions and other stakeholders to carry out research aimed at strengthening key communicable disease programmes. Currently, the framework is being finalized based on several consultations and discussions with other units and divisions of the WHO.
Workshop on Research Design, Methodology and Proposal Writing
A workshop on Research Design, Methodology and Proposal Writing on Infectious Diseases of Poverty was jointly organized by MVP and Stop TB and Leprosy Elimination (STB) units, and convened by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine - Philippines on 29 November to 03 December 2010. The objectives of the workshop were: (1) to build the capacity of participants on operational research methods and design and on preparing proposals for research grants; (2) to update participants on various grant opportunities and potential funding sources; (3) to strengthen collaboration between academic and/or research institutions and disease control programmes in conducting operational research.
Workshop on Scientific Paper Writing
AMVP organized a second workshop on scientific paper writing in 25-29 July 2011 in Manila, Philippines. This workshop was co-organized and was conducted by TDR's Regional Training Center - Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. Participants were grantees of the TDR Small Grants Programme from 2006-2010 who haven't published their research studies in any local or international scientific journals. This workshop aimed to provide the participants the necessary skills ni scientific manuscript writing for peer-reviewed journals.
Malaria Indicator Surveys in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
The national malaria programmes in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu conducted a cross-sectional surveys to obtain national estimates of malaria programme indicators to inform strategic planning and evaluation of relevant malaria control and elimination interventions. The indicator surveys were designed to collect population-based, household-based and health facility-based indicators, primarily focusing on indicators related on long lasting insecticide treated nets, indoor residual spraying, treatment seeking practices, availability of malaria blood test and anti-malaria treatment services at health facility. Malaria prevalence was also obtained at national and sub-national levels.
Therapeutic Efficacy Studies
National malaria control programmes are conducting routine therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) of national first line antimalarial drug regimens and Day 3 positivity for artemisinin tolerance to monitor and contain resistance of antimalarial drugs. MVP is providing technical support in TES protocol development and implementation. Currently, Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Viet Nam are conducting their TES for 2011 while China and Philippines are developing their protocols.
Non-malarial Febrile Illness Study in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic
The non-malarial febrile illness study was developed to have a better understanding of the causes of acute non-malarial febrile illness and to guide the management of non-malarial illness especially among neglected rural populations in South East Asia, specifically Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. The primary objectives of the study are: to develop evidence to guide the management of malaria parasite negative acute febrile cases; to determine requirement for other diagnostic tools applicable in field conditions; to guide priority setting for point of care diagnostics development to assist in such case management decisions; and through the implementation of this study, to build capacity of the involved programmes and laboratories in conducting operational research and pathology testing within Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic.