Doctor Carlos Chaccour, researcher at the Tropical Health Institute of the University of Navarra and medical resident at the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has been appointed coordinator of the Ivermectine Malaria Elimination Working Group. This medication has proved to be very successful in treating the disease.  

First row scientists from all corners of the world joined the meeting launched by the American Association of Tropical Health that gathered members of World Health Organisation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Harvard University, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine or Colorado State University.

During the event, Chaccour showcased his research that proves that "some changes in the ivermectine formulation could help to maintain insecticides in blood during months avoiding this way malaria contagious". Besides this, other scientists briefed about their work in this area and it was finally concluded the need of coordinating efforts through the Ivermectine Malaria Elimination Working Group.

This working body gathers researchers, coordinates their investigations and set common goals. Another meeting is expected during the next months in order to develop the group.  

Malaria is a tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes that affects, mostly, poor countries; 90% of deaths in Africa, mainly in children under 5 years old. There were almost 207 million cases and 627,000 deaths in 2012.