News Release

Von Fricken receives funding for study aimed at determining threat of detection-resistant malaria & arboviruses in Haiti

Grant and Award Announcement

George Mason University

Michael E. von Fricken, Associate Professor, Global and Community Health, received funding for the project: "Determining the Threat of Detection-Resistant Malaria and Arboviruses in Haiti." 

For this project, von Fricken is conducting surveillance for malaria parasites containing HRP gene deletions, in addition to screening rapid diagnostic test strips for medically relevant arboviruses. 

He will also conduct entomological surveys to monitor circulating pathogens in vector populations and contribute to voucher specimen repositories. 

This work will include, but is not limited to, developing sampling approaches that cover multiple Ministry of Health hospitals in Haiti, managing permits and approvals for shipment of samples to partner labs, coordinating field activities with in-country collaborators and study team members, analyzing findings, and generating monthly and quarterly reports documenting study progress.  

The work will also involve communicating with research partners, transferring earmarked funds to in-country collaborators, providing training when appropriate, and assisting all partners, as needed. 

von Fricken received $78,999 from the U.S. Department of the Navy for this project. Funding began in Sept. 2022 and will end in Oct. 2023. 

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About George Mason University

George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 38,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the last half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.


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