Malaria research unit

On 23rd June 1943, an experimental group for research into malaria was established at 5 Australian Camp Hospital at Cairns, Qld. (L.H.Q. - Land Head Quarters Medical Research Unit). Volunteers were exposed to malaria infected mosquitoes while taking anti-malarial drugs and kept under observation during the incubation period of malaria. [Reference: Clinical Problems of war/ Allan S. Walker (Australia in the War of 1939-45, Medical) pp 104-107.] About 700 volunteers passed through the unit over a two year period and were deliberately infected with malaria either mosquito borne or by sub-innoculation. At the time of the making of this film, 83% of all casualties to the Australian 7th Division in New Guinea were due to malaria. [Reference : R.R. Andrew, Emeritus Professor, Monash University - corresondence - Dec 1988]