WRITTEN QUESTION E-0160/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(1 February 2002)

Subject: Haemoglobin variant HbC as an anti-malaria remedy

On 17 January 2002 the Italian weekly Panorama published a report stating that a team of researchers at Rome University under Dr David Modiano have discovered that HbC, a genetic variant of haemoglobin, can be an effective cure for the most severe strains of malaria.

This study, carried out on over 4000 subjects from the Mossi ethnic group (Burkina Faso), points to protection levels of 29 % for heterozygotes (those in whom the mutated gene is present in only one chromosome) and 90 % for homozygotes (those in whom the mutation affects both chromosomes). This is the first time that a genetic mutation proves to be advantageous for homozygotes. The researchers consider that this haemoglobin variant will eventually supplant the others in the region.

Given the inherent value of this research and the recent reappearance of tropical diseases in Europe:

1. Can the Commission state whether it is aware of this research?

2. Can it give information on the incidence of malaria in the EU?

3. Has it financed research in this field?

4. If so, does it believe that the findings of this research require assessment?

5. What initiatives does the Commission intend to take to aid the African communities which are still seriously afflicted by this disease?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2002)

1. The Commission is aware of the studies referred to by the Honourable Member. It provided funding for project IC18-CT98-0361, which involved researchers from Italy and groups from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Mali and Burkina Faso under the international cooperation programme in the context of the Framework Programme for research and technological development. The Community contribution amounted to EUR 490 000.

2. Reported cases of malaria in the Community increased by 49 % between 1995 and 1999, and totalled 12 758 (99 % imported and very few indigenous cases) in 1999. The malaria situation in the Community is essentially attributable to a sustained increase in cases of malaria imported from tropical and subtropical countries where the disease is endemic. A resurgence of the transmission of malaria has been observed in the New Independent States (NIS) of the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as variable levels of incidence in Turkey. The constant increase in international travel (see communication from the World Tourism Organisation, 1998), its extension to areas with a high transmission density and frequent non-observance of individual protection methods are responsible for this increase. Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom are the Community Member States most affected (a table reviewing the situation in the Member States will be sent to the Honourable Member and Parliament's Secretariat).

3. The Commission is and intends to remain one of the main sources of funding for malaria research. Over 100 projects have been funded in the past.

4. Any contribution to knowledge about the physiopathology and biological bases of malaria may be very worthwhile in the context of the current efforts to combat this disease. However, research is increasingly targeting the development of effective measures such as vaccination and ready access to malaria treatment regimes.

5. The Commission provides substantial support to strengthen health systems in African countries through project, sector and general budget support. This helps countries to provide prevention and care for malaria control, which is a key element of national health strategies in Africa. The Commission is also implementing a programme for accelerated action against human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, diseases associated with poverty. The programme seeks to increase the impact of existing proven measures (particularly ensuring ready access to effective malaria treatment regimes and wide use of insecticide-treated nets); to increase access to affordable pharmaceuticals; and to increase research and development of new generations of drugs and vaccines. The Commission has been closely involved in the establishment of the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria and sits on the inaugural governing board. Pledges to this new financing instrument stand at USD 1,9 billion (the Community has pledged an initial EUR 120 million).

It is expected that an additional USD 500-700 million will be available to countries in 2002, with the first grants to be announced in April 2002. Much of this will benefit malaria control efforts in Africa.