RMRC soon to restore field station in Car Nicobar

Port Blair, May 13 (UNI) Concerned over spread of Malaria in the Nicobar Group of islands, the Regional Medical Research Centre has stepped up efforts to restore its field station Malaria Research Centre(MRC) in Car Nicobar in the Southern Group.

The MRC, which existed in Car Nicobar pre-tsunami, had to be closed down after it was washed away by the 2004 Tsunami, RMRC Director Dr Vijayachari told UNI today.

''Once the land required for restoration of the MRC, for which the concerned authorities have already been approached, is available, the RMRC will make it a reality by restoring its centre in Car Nicobar within three months time,'' he said.

''These islands, particularly, the southern group of islands are endemic to malaria and the number of cases increase drastically, especially during the monsoon months,'' he added.

Till now only "Anopheles sundaicus" species of mosquito has been implicated in the transmission of malaria in these islands. Studying the genetic diversity among the vector mosquito as well as the parasite may help in devising control strategies.

In view of this, the RMRC has initiated a project on vector diversity, molecular characteristics of parasite and malaria control in these islands, he said.

Last month there was a outbreak of Malaria in Southern Group of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, following which tribal leaders of Nicobar Islands were also demanding the setting up of MRC as early as possible.

UNI SKR LL RN1932