Bangkok, Thailand – Underscoring its commitment to build capacity within the public health community, Tana Netting is pleased to sponsor a weeklong workshop on malaria control in complex emergencies being organized by the MENTOR Initiative in Bangkok.

Around 30 participants from a variety of governmental, non-governmental and private sector organizations are taking part in the training, which focuses on malaria control following natural disasters, conflicts and other complex emergencies. MENTOR Initiative staff and subject matter experts are leading the interactive course, which covers a wide range of topics, including malaria treatment, prevention and program monitoring and evaluation.

The course, being held from 22-26 February, is the MENTOR Initiative’s first workshop in Southeast Asia. Previous trainings were organized in Africa, the U.S. and Europe.

“Following our successful workshops in Sub-Saharan Africa, Washington and Geneva, we decided it was time to organize a training in Asia,” said Richard Allan, MENTOR Initiative founder and director. “In recent years, Southeast Asia has experienced an increasing number of complex emergencies, many of which can be linked to climate change. Following natural disasters such as Cyclone Nargis, or the 2004 Tsunami, the risk of malaria transmission rapidly increases, even in areas where the disease is thought to be largely under control. Our main objective is to give organizations involved in responding to complex emergencies the tools and strategies they need to deal with malaria.”

As the Thailand based manufacturer of DawaPlus 2.0, a WHOPES recommended long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLINs), Tana Netting fully supports the MENTOR Initiative’s efforts to build the capacity of public sector and non-governmental organizations in the region.

“Tana Netting is proud to sponsor the first MENTOR Initiative workshop in Asia, which is providing training to participants from Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, Pakistan and other countries in the region,” said Chris Messer, Tana Netting Global Marketing & Regulatory Affairs Manager. “This sponsorship is in line with Tana Netting’s ongoing efforts to support our partners in the public health community with education and other resources about our products, which play a key role in malaria control and prevention. Given the fact that the workshop is being held in our hometown, Bangkok, it is only natural for us to work with the MENTOR Initiative on this event.”

Tana Netting’s sponsorship of the workshop includes a donation of $5,000, product samples and on-the-ground logistical support.

About the MENTOR Initiative

The MENTOR Initiative is a UK-registered non-profit organization that works with national and international partners in humanitarian crises to enhance the response capacity of humanitarian organizations in affected areas. By targeting capacity development, field support and operational research, the MENTOR Initiative hopes to reduce malaria effects in problem areas. For more information, visit www.thementorinitiative.org.