Partners from the implementing countries of the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative (RAI) conducted a four-day study tour (3–6 July) to hard-to-reach villages in Kayin State, where targeted mass treatment (TMT) for malaria had been carried out. The aim was to learn about practical implementation of Inter-country Component 1 (ICC1/RAI), and in particular TMT/mass drug administration.

Participants included members of the national programmes from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, implementing partners, ethnic health partners, and UNOPS–PR RAI team.

During the plenary session (at Grade One Hotel in Myawaddy Township on 4 July), opening remarks were delivered by Dr Aung Thi, Programme Manager of the National Malaria Control Programme, Dr Thandar Lwin, Director of Disease Control, Department of Public Health from the Ministry of Health and Sports, and Dr Ed Marta, Senior Consultant from the Karen Department of Health and Welfare (KDHW). The participants were warmly welcomed by Dr Faisal Mansoor, Head of Programme Unit, UNOPS–PR.

Later, participants visited the villages of Pah Kyue, Thae Boe Kyu (Area 1), Thae Boe Kyu (Area 2) and Taw Oak, and met with malaria post workers, villagers and village leaders there. Since these villages had undergone TMT, the participants interviewed villagers and field staff from KDHW and Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) about their experience of TMT.

After returning to their respective countries, the delegates shared their opinions and suggestions on the ICC1 project with Myanmar.

The goal of RAI is to accelerate the elimination of P. falciparum malaria in the Greater Mekong Sub-region and avert the spread of artemisinin resistance.

You can see here some photos of the visit.