New malaria research project to improve maternal and child health 

Together with Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), and with financial support from Global Affairs Canada, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) will conduct qualitative research in the Mopti region of Mali to understand gaps in the management of malaria for women and children under five. The research findings will serve to strengthen malaria prevention and treatment practices in the region informed by WHO policies and with the goal of reducing malaria mortality among women of reproductive age and children under 5.

The project heralds the first collaboration between MMV and the Aga Khan Development Network. Working closely with Aga Khan Foundation Mali and the National Malaria Control Programme in Mali, this malaria-focused initiative will contribute to Aga Khan Foundation Canada’s broader four country ‘Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems’ (AQCESS) project. 

In the past decade, Mali has made progress in addressing maternal and child mortality. Yet, mortality rates remain high, with malaria being the largest contributor to under 5 mortality. The rates are worse in rural areas, where populations have limited access to basic health services.

The research, due to commence in May 2017 and terminate in 2019, will specifically look at the use of protective medicines for pregnant mothers (Intermittent Preventive Treatment during pregnancy) and children (Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention) as well as pre-referral management and treatment of severe malaria in children under 5. Findings and recommendations will be shared with a broad range of stakeholders with the aim to influence policy and practice in the Mopti region.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with AKFC to help address the burden of malaria in Mali,” said Dr David Reddy, MMV’s CEO. “We look forward to a productive association and are proud to be a partner in the Foundation’s commendable work to advance the status of women and accelerate access to malaria interventions for vulnerable populations.”