Artemisinin Resistance Monitoring in East Africa (ARMEA) Project

Project Aim

The overarching aim of the ARMEA project is to monitor artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in East Africa by conducting malaria surveillance, genotyping the Kelch13 gene to identify mutations associated with artemisinin resistance, and exploring potential drivers of emerging resistance in the region through patient interviews covering healthcare-seeking behavior, sources of antimalarial drugs, use of herbal remedies, and sociodemographic factors.

Project Objectives

To conduct malaria surveillance and collect samples at designated study sites in Uganda.
To ensure proper storage and transportation of biological samples in compliance with study protocols.
To perform DNA extraction and PCR procedures on the collected samples.
To participate in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
To train research staff and students in molecular epidemiology and drug resistance surveillance.
To adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ethical research guidelines.

Project Outcome

The project is expected to produce several outcomes, including: 400 malaria samples collected at designated study sites (Karugutu HCIV, Rukunyu, Kibiiito HCIV, Kyenjojo hospital) over the project period; DNA extraction and PCR analysis performed on collected samples; data on Kelch13 gene mutations associated with artemisinin resistance; analysis of risk factors driving emerging resistance in the region; strengthened research capacity through training of staff and MSc students in molecular epidemiology and drug resistance surveillance; and enhanced understanding of artemisinin resistance in East Africa contributing to improved malaria control strategies. The project will also support an MSc student with a monthly stipend for 12 months as part of capacity building.

Team Members

Infectious Diseases Institute Limited (IDI), Uganda – Coordinating Centre, Project Management, Technical Support, Funding Disbursement
Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Uganda – Collaborative Site, Sample Collection, DNA Extraction, PCR Analysis, Training
Charité University, Berlin – Funder Intermediary (through Else-Kroner-Fresenius Foundation)
Dr. Andrew D. Kambugu (IDI) – Executive Director, Signatory for IDI
Prof. John M. Kasenene (MMU) – DVC/AAO, Signatory for MMU
Designated MMU Project Coordinator – Project Coordination at MMU (budgeted position)
Designated MMU MSc Coordinator – MSc Coordination at MMU (budgeted position)
MSc Student – Supported by the project with a monthly stipend

Project Period
1st April 2025 – 31st March 2028 (3 years), unless extended or terminated earlier by mutual agreement.

Project Funder
Else-Kroner-Fresenius Foundation (EKFS) through Charité University, Berlin

Project Leadership
The project is coordinated by the Infectious Diseases Institute Limited (IDI), Uganda, as the Coordinating Centre. The Executive Director of IDI, Dr. Andrew D. Kambugu, signs on behalf of IDI. Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) serves as a collaborative site, with Prof. John M. Kasenene (DVC/AAO) signing on behalf of MMU. The project involves collaboration with Charité University, Berlin as the funding intermediary.

Principal Investigator
Dr. Andrew D. Kambugu