Overview

Our highly collaborative multi-disciplinary research group established between the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Burnet Institute and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, encompasses epidemiological, immunological, and implementation research to inform the development and implementation of effective, evidence-based public health programs to control and eliminate vector borne diseases such as malaria and lymphatic filariasis.

Image: Dr Leanne Robinson (left); Photo credit: Mayeta Clark/WEHI

In particular, numerous ongoing epidemiological studies and intervention trials aim to better understand:

• The changing epidemiology of malaria under sustained control and the complex interplay between host immunity and parasite transmission and the contribution of low-density infections to onward transmission
• Plasmodium vivax malaria, specifically the contribution of the undetectable hypnozoite stage to the burden of infection and contribution to transmission
• Serological markers of recent malaria exposure and their application as tools for surveillance and intervention in pre-elimination settings -|The most efficient sampling/surveillance and intervention strategies for malaria elimination in the Asia-Pacific region
• The most effective and efficient mass drug administration regimes for lymphatic filariasis elimination
• The burden of malaria infections during pregnancy and impact of maternal infections and nutritional deficiencies on low birth weight and infant/child growth and development
• The impact of infectious diseases during infancy on child growth and development.

Image: PNGIMR DOLF team enrolling participants into mass drug administration trial; Photo credit: DOLF/PNGIMR

This research program actively supports over 20 early and mid-career researchers based at the Vector Borne Diseases Unit at the PNGIMR in Papua New Guinea, providing both formal Honours, Masters and PhD opportunities, as well as informal training and development.

Image: PNGIMR Scientific Officer Benishar Kombut; Photo credit: Mayeta Clark/WEHI

Projects

• A one health approach to establish surveillance strategies for Japanese encephalitis and zoonotic arboviruses in PNG
  Strengthen insect-borne disease surveillance and develop policy options for key health system supports in Papua New Guinea.
• Evaluating a highly sensitive rapid malaria diagnostic in PNG
  HS-RDT MiP in PNG: Testing performance of a novel high sensitivity rapid diagnostic malaria test in pregnant women.
• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
  A collaborative research program aimed at providing life-saving health care for women and children in PNG.