Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2016
576. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence why the Defence Forces use the anti-malaria drug Larium, despite its known side effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17054/16]
View answer577. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will justify the enforcement of the use of the anti-malaria drug, Larium, which has serious side effects, by the Defence Forces abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17055/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.
There are three anti-malarial drugs in use by the Defence Forces. They are Lariam (mefloquine), Malarone and Doxycycline.
The health and welfare of the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces is a priority for me. 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.
A Malaria Chemoprophylaxis working group was re-convened in August 2015. The purpose of the group is to review inter alia issues arising in relation to the use of Lariam, particularly in the context of the current and potential litigation; to review the Defence Forces approach in relation to the use of malaria chemoprophylaxis in the Defence Forces; and to ensure that the procedures in relation thereto continue to be appropriate and in accordance with best medical practice as promulgated by the relevant medical authorities. In addition, the Group was tasked with reviewing the use of the drug Primaquine as part of the overall medical treatment process for those deployed to malarious areas.
Malaria is a serious disease that killed approximately 438,000 people in 2015 as reported by the World Health Organization, with 90% of deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. 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.
