Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
32. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to continue prescribing Lariam for members of the Defence Forces; the alternative medications available and used; the number of members of the Defence Forces, in the past or currently serving, who have reported negative health effects which they attribute to the use of Lariam; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16899/16]
View answerAs I have made clear, the health and welfare of the Defence Forces are a priority for me and this informs my approach to the issue of Lariam.
Malaria is a serious disease which killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa as reported by the World Health Organization. It is a serious threat to any military force operating in the area. Anti-malarial medications, including Lariam, remain in the formulary of medications prescribed by the Medical Corps for Defence Forces personnel on appropriate overseas missions, to ensure that our military personnel can have effective protection from the very serious risks posed by this highly dangerous disease.
There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces, namely Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline. The choice of medication for overseas deployment, including the use of Lariam, is a medical decision made by Medical Officers in the Defence Forces, having regard to the specific circumstances of the mission and the individual member of the Irish Defence Forces.
Information in relation to illnesses contracted by Defence Forces Personnel including instances of malaria is maintained on each individual’s medical file. While there is no way of providing the exact information sought by the Deputy without examining every medical record of each member who served overseas in sub-Saharan Africa, I am advised by the Medical Corps that the number of incidences of malaria among Defence Forces Personnel is low. The Deputy might also note that since deployment of Defence Forces Personnel to sub-Saharan Africa, not a single member has died from the malaria disease.
