Media releases

Scientist to reveal new approach to controlling malaria

1 April 2011

Herbicides could be used to control malaria, ARC Federation Fellow Professor Geoffrey
McFadden will reveal at the Australian Academy of Science's public lecture next week.

The lecture is the second in the series Fenner's Science Today and Tomorrow, which pays
tribute to the life and science of the late Frank Fenner, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of
Science and chairman of the World Health Organisation committee responsible for eradicating
smallpox globally. Professor Fenner worked on malaria control early in his career.

Malaria is a major global health problem, killing one million people every year. There is
currently no vaccine and the parasite is resistant to most existing drugs.

Professor Geoffrey McFadden's research has uncovered that the malaria parasite was
originally a plant-like organism. This has important implications for treatment, with his research
showing that herbicides, initially designed to kill plants, also work against malaria.

Note to media: Media are welcome to cover the lecture, and to interview Professor
McFadden prior to the event. To arrange an interview, please contact Mona Akbari.

Further information: Malaria – the plant connection