Malaria - Professor Andrew Spielman: Environmentally Friendly Intervention and Long-Term Sustainable Solutions for the Control of Malaria

Synopsis

Professor Andrew Spielman is one of the world’s experts on vector born infections such as malaria and dengue which constitute a heavy and increasing burden on human health throughout much of the tropics. In this interview Profesor 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. He believes that relevant strategies for long-term improvements in health 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 Profewsor Spielman’s malariological studies focus on the environmental conditions that promote maturation of the anopheline mosquitoes that transmit this infection. In particular, he and his colleagues are exploring the effect of maize cultivation on malaria risk and seek to expand their observation on the importance of maize pollen as a food for the larval stages of these mosquitoes.

Series

Issues, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2005

Year of production

2005

Subjects

Biology; Medical sciences

Keywords

epidemiology; malaria; mosquitoes; scientific research; tropical diseases; biological research

Online availability

URI

http://www.vega.org.uk/video/programme/87

Price

free

Delivery

Streamed

Credits

Contributor

Andrew Speilman

Distribution Formats

Type

VHS

Format

PAL

Price

£25.00

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

35 minutes

Year

2006

Production Company

Name

Vega Science Trust

Distributor

Name

Vega Science Trust

Email

vega@vega.org.uk

Web

http://www.vega.org.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

01273 678 726

Address

Sussex Innovation Centre
Science Park Square
Brighton
BN1 9SB

Notes

Well-established maker and distributor of more than 200 programmes on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, many of which have been broadcast. Vega’s videos aim to give a fundamental understanding of principles of nature and the physical world. Outstanding scientists/communicators are directly involved with each video so that they can guide content of the programmes. Science is presented in a natural way as an intellectually challenging discipline and the videos fill the gap in TV coverage by presenting well-informed analyses on serious science-related ethical, economic, social, health and other issues. Separate series consist of interviews with eminent scientists, science video lectures, issues of current scientific concern, the Royal Institution Discourses, scientific masterclasses, and recent research projects. Programmes available for free viewing via the website and some also for sale on DVD.