Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 June 2014
113. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if there is any issue with a drug Larium having serious consequences on Irish troops serving abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24870/14]
View answerMalaria is a serious disease that kills approximately 1 million people per year in sub-Saharan Africa alone. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. The anti-malaria regime in place in the Defence Forces – including the use of Lariam – has worked. In the decade of deployment to sub-Saharan Africa by the Defence Forces, not a single member of the Defence Forces has died from malaria. The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is the statutory authority with responsibility for the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines in Ireland. The Defence Forces Medical Corps complies with its guidelines on the prescription of medicines, including Lariam. I am advised that Lariam is one of the most effective medications for protection against the type of malaria prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. It continues to be licensed by the IMB. The Defence Forces are fully aware of the range of reported side affects attaching to all anti-malaria medications. I am advised that protocols are in place to control the risk of side effects in individuals.
The Defence Forces follow best international practice in prescribing Lariam. It is the policy of the Defence Forces that personnel are individually screened for fitness for service overseas and medical suitability, i.e. a medical risk assessment for Lariam is carried out on an individual basis. This is intended to rule out personnel from overseas service with certain conditions, e.g. depression, anxiety, pregnancy, neurodegenerative disorders etc. which, as has been indicated by the IMB, are more likely to precipitate serious adverse reactions to Lariam.
Where malaria has been identified as a risk in a particular mission area, the choice of chemoprophylaxis is dependent on a number of factors including the type of malaria in the destination, resistance to particular drugs, the profile of the traveller (contra-indications, underlying health conditions, purpose of travel), the duration of travel and adherence issues. The choice of medication is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces on the basis of best international practice having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Defence Forces.
The former Minister for Defence had the various allegations surrounding the use of Lariam investigated thoroughly and obtained the advice of leading medical experts, who concur with the prescribing practices followed by the Defence Forces. Lariam remains licensed by the IMB and must remain in the formulary of medication prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
