Abt Associates Inc. Expands Efforts To Reduce Burden Of Malaria In Africa

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on Abt Associates' work to eradicate and reduce the burden of malaria across Africa, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded Abt Associates a three-year, $268 million contract to continue work on the President's Malaria Initiative-funded Africa Indoor Residual Spraying (AIRS) project.

The AIRS 2 contract builds on Abt's current work on the AIRS project, which has protected millions of people in Africa from malaria by spraying insecticide on the walls, ceilings, and other indoor resting places of mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Under this contract, Abt will continue to assist PMI in reducing the burden of malaria in Africa through IRS, rigorous entomological monitoring, and capacity building in 15 countries where malaria is endemic. Abt will continue to support PMI in IRS monitoring and evaluation, as well as environmental compliance.

"More than 27 million people have been protected from malaria since 2011 through the efforts of Abt Associates working in partnership with health ministries and other partners," said Diana Silimperi, M.D., Abt Associates Division Vice President for International Health. "We will continue to bring innovative solutions to make IRS more cost-effective, efficient, safer, and sustainable to help combat malaria."

Abt's Bradford Lucas will continue to lead as the project's director.

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators.  The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com.

SOURCE Abt Associates