The Internet: a valuable tool for Roll Back Malaria

Abstract

Trends in Parasitology is performing an important role in providing a forum for the presentation of ideas and guidance to the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative. The RBM initiative is crucially important to all nations beset with increasing problems of malaria, and the initiative can benefit from such constructive discourse. The points made by Utzinger et al. are highly pertinent, especially the role of the Internet as a tool for interchange of ideas, dissemination of information and strengthening of local networks. This vehicle penetrates to most institutions concerned with public health and, in my experience, it is already well represented in Africa. Every effort should be made to ensure that it is maintained and extended where necessary. However, as stressed by Utzinger et al., the main weakness in our current efforts to develop local programmes for the control of malaria lies in the shortage of skilled personnel who live and work in the endemic areas. These are the people who can provide local expertise and guidance to governments and authorities responsible for national public health. However, we are all aware of the brain-drain from Africa. The issue we face is how to provide career opportunities to local scientists interested in malaria, especially in situations where such opportunities are rare and poorly remunerated in many of the endemic countries. The goal is to help such people to sustain their careers at home by encouraging their research and to provide additional salary support through research grants. In many instances there is no avenue to do this effectively and transparently.