Ben Andagalu, Kenya

USAMRD-K MISSION

• Develop and test improved means for predicting, detecting, preventing, and treating infectious disease threats to U.S. military personnel and the host nation
• Conduct surveillance, training, research, and response activities related to emerging infectious disease threats.
• Partner in executing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
• Support the AFRICOM Commander’s Health Related Theater Security Cooperation activities through engagement of nations in the region in executing our mission.

Malaria Drug Resistance (MDR) Lab Overview

The Malaria Drug Resistance (MDR) laboratory conducts aggressive surveillance for the anti-malarial drug susceptibility profiles using a myriad of techniques, including traditional in vitro susceptibility testing, in vivo efficacy studies and next generation genetic analyses. In addition to generating valuable epidemiological data, these efforts support numerous research objectives of our KEMRI/USAMRD-K partners and collaborators, and provides timely information to US DoD and Kenya public health authorities to inform drug policy decisions on the optimal use of anti-malarials. The MDR laboratory is subdivided into three sections, in vitro parasite culture, in vivo efficacy and Molecular Genomics Genetics and Bioinformatics (MGGB). Local relevance:  Provide useful data on prevalence and patterns of drug resistant parasites and advise the Kenya MoH on malaria treatment and prevention strategies. U.S. DoD relevance: Provide data on existing and emerging parasite anti-malarial resistance to Combatant Commanders in the Africa AOR for policy setting and prioritizing US DoD product development for the war fighters.