Macha Malaria Research Sphere

Macha's new research sphere

Most folks would be surprised to discover Macha Research Trust (MRT) out in the middle of the bush in Zambia's Southern Province-- far from the capital city, far from hubs of modern technology, and far from the most commonly known disease research hospitals around the globe.

MRT's heart vision, though, was born right in Macha with the desire to do something about the malaria death rate in the Macha community, especially among the children. What better place to conduct malaria research than a place where the disease was so prevalent.

To get the real story, I highly recommend a visit to MRT. But, since I'm not sure when you'll have the opportunity to visit MRT, here are the basic facts: because of MRT research over the past 15 years, malaria is now a rarity in rural Macha, Zambia. And, MRT continues with cutting edge research on malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDs-- way out there in the Zambian red-dirt bush.

MRT's latest research "building" on their small campus is a research sphere, constructed of traditional building materials covered in top quality mosquito netting. The idea behind the sphere is to re-create a habitat for mosquitoes as similar as possible to their natural habitat. It took months of planning, countless hours of work, many challenges and disappointments, lots (and lots and lots) of money, and an international team of collaborators to construct Macha's mosquito sphere. The netted building was officially dedicated for research earlier this month. What an accomplishment! 

...and, no telling what scientific developments will be uncovered out at Macha in the future-- some of which may be a direct result of mosquito research conducted in this screened sphere.

For more information about research going on in Macha, google "Macha Research Trust," 

or check out this Johns Hopkins page.