The Late Professor Andrew Spielman Discusses Malaria Control

23 May 2023
Vega.org
In this interview the late Prof. Spielman gives his views on how to achieve a long-term sustainable solution for the control and spread of malaria. He explains that insects that transmit these pathogens generally depend on features of disturbed landscapes that are caused by human activity. Diseases that result derive from interactions linking pathogen, vector, reservoir and human populations. Relevant strategies for long-term improvements in health, according to Prof. Spielman should be based on a synthesis of ecological, genetic, physiological, microbiological and immunological information and require a combination of laboratory and field research. Ultimately, these studies seek to devise environmentally-friendly interventions. In Ethiopia, for instance Prof. Spielman's malariological studies focussed on the environmental conditions that promote maturation of the anopheline mosquitoes that transmit this infection. In particular, he and his colleagues explored the effect of maize cultivation on malaria risk.

The video interview can be download here: https://www.vega.org.uk/video/programme/87