EMVI NEWS BULLETIN
AFRICA MALARIA DAY, 25 April 2007

Africa Malaria Day is commemorated every year on 25 April. The focus of this year's Africa Malaria Day will be on the need to work in partnership to reverse the progression of malaria and make a significant impact in endemic countries: Leadership and Partnership for Results. There can be no better slogan for marking this day than the chosen one of “Free Africa from Malaria NOW!” Africans must be weary of the constantly recurring stagnant statistics rolled out every year and on every article published on the subject of malaria in Africa.

We at EMVI have recognised the importance of leadership and partnerships in the concerted effort to fight malaria scourge. A significant part of EMVI’s new strategy is geared towards building robust partnerships and relationships with stakeholders in the various aspects of malaria vaccine development. In 2006, EMVI along with 19 other scientific institutions in Europe and Africa applied successfully to the European Commission FP6 programme for a grant for the development of vaccines. EMVI is playing a leading role as the coordinator of this important project collectively referred to as EMVDA, the European Malaria Vaccine Development Association. EMVI is also coordinating EURHAVAC, a specific EC-supported action on harmonisation of malaria vaccine development in Europe.

EMVI also recognises that the ultimate goal in the prevention of malaria infection and disease is the development of an effective malaria vaccine. In this regard, EMVI has a defined, robust working relationship with the Tanzanian-based African Malaria Network Trust (AMANET). AMANET acts as sponsor for EMVI- developed malaria vaccines that have met the criteria for further development in Africa. EMVI has recently completed Phase 1a trials of 2 candidate malaria vaccines, AMA1 and GMZ2 (MSP3 + GLURP hybrid). These two vaccines have shown some promise with Phase 1b field trials in Africa scheduled to commence in Bandiagara, Mali and Lambarene, Gabon in May 2007.

The EMVI recognises that the fight against malaria has and will be a long-lasting one. In this regard, EMVI is committed to its goals of providing a mechanism for accelerated development of malaria vaccines in Europe and developing countries as well as promoting affordability and accessibility of malaria vaccines in developing countries in the years ahead.