Introduction
The Malaria Reference Laboratory (MRL) of the Health Protection Agency (HPA) , (formerly PHLS) provides an integrated service for public health in relation to malaria. It combines reference and diagnostic parasitology of malaria, with surveillance of all imported malaria reported in the United Kingdom, analysing the results and using these, together with wide consultation to develop national policy on prevention of imported malaria, which it then disseminates widely. The advisory activities interpret policy for particular individual needs, especially through the health service. Policy is moved into implementation by the MRL staff writing for various medical, pharmaceutical and lay audiences, briefing the media, contributing to continuing medical education for doctors and practice nurses, and responding to telephone queries from them and from the public.
These MRL functions are supported in the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) by a programme of basic research in the UK and of applied research and development in endemic countries and on a smaller scale in the UK, and they are linked to an advisory service on international malaria control.
Advisory service
Malaria prevention advice for the general public
The HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory has a 24 hour premium line telephone number providing malaria prevention advice to the general public. The cost of a call is 100 pence per minute at all times.
Premium line telephone no: 09065-508,908
Guidelines for health professionals Malaria prevention guidelines for British travellers
The Laboratory has also a telephone line for doctors, practice nurses and other health professionals, providing further advice. The line is available from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays.
Health professionals telephone no: 0207 636 3924
Diagnostic Laboratory
For advice on laboratory diagnosis
Telephone no: 0207 927 2427
Fax no: 0207 637 0248
Address
HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Keppel Street
London WC1E 7HT
Links to other Web sites
The HPA Malaria Reference Laboratory formally disclaims responsibility for the contents of any linked sites
Please send any comments or queries about this Website to: david.warhurst@lshtm.ac.uk