§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what precautionary treatment was given to troops deployed to Sierra Leone in respect of malaria before they left the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [125191]
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§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 9 June 2000]For Sierra Leone the most effective anti-malaria drug is considered to be mefloquine and current policy recommends that treatment begins three weeks before personnel are due in the area of risk. This is to allow time for those who cannot tolerate mefloquine to exhibit adverse reactions and be placed on an alternative regimen: the drug itself starts to take preventative effect within 12 hours. Aircrew are not given mefloquine because of the possible side effects which can degrade concentration and coordination. Aircrew, therefore, take chloroquine and proguanil tablets instead, although these do not offer the same degree of protection in Sierra Leone which is a chloroquine resistant area.
Issuing the Spearhead Battalion permanently with mefloquine, as a preventative measure, is not an option since the drug is only licensed for one year's continuous use; long term treatment with mefloquine is not medically advisable. The great majority of personnel deployed to Sierra Leone began taking anti-malaria tablets prior to embarkation although not for the full three weeks because of the short notice to deploy. However, a small number did not begin the preventative course of treatment and arrived in theatre without anti-malaria tablets. The reasons for this are currently being investigated. This omission was quickly remedied by procuring a French anti-malaria drug which was available locally, and this was subsequently replaced by supplies of the preferred British drug.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what medical advice was given to troops deployed to Sierra Leone concerning malaria; and if he will make a statement. [125189]
§ Mr. Hoon[holding answer 9 June 2000]All UK forces that deployed to Sierra Leone were advised, in accordance with the Surgeon General's policy, that the preferred anti-malarial drug for ground forces deployed ashore is mefloquine. While most effective, this drug carries a risk of side effects when first taken and, for that reason, personnel carrying out certain operational duties cannot be treated with it. Those forces unable to take mefloquine were advised that the recommended alternative is chloroquine and proguanil. Personnel deployed ashore were also provided with the opportunity to impregnate their uniforms and mosquito nets with mosquito repellent.