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In July 1999 the RMA hosted a workshop in Brisbane to examine aspects
of Australian anti-malarial drug experimentation conducted by the Australian
Army in North Queensland between 1943-45. This followed a request from
the Repatriation Commission under section 196E(1) of the VEAto investigate
the relationship between a number of diseases and exposure to various
drugs that were used in these anti-malarial drug trials. The workshop
was designed to assist members of the RMA to clarify and consider the
issues involved.
The workshop participants included a volunteer and representatives involved
in the World War II experiments; individuals who have researched the experiments;
individuals who have past or current involvement with ethics in medical
research; and former and current staff of the Australian Malaria Institute.
In addition there were representatives from ex-service organisations as
well as staff from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and members
and staff of the RMA.
The issues identified by the RMA for consideration at the workshop were:
- Identification of all of the drugs used in the malaria trials;
- What were the adverse health effects on the soldiers involved in
the trials that could now impact on the RMA’s determination of
SOPs;
- Do the current SOPs cover the possible adverse health effects of
the drugs used in the malaria trials;
- What are the positive and negative outcomes of the trials/experiments;
and
- What are the implications and/or lessons that can be learnt from
the experiments?
The Workshop Outcomes summary was provided to the Repatriation Commission
and the Minister in September 1999. The presentations and detailed background
papers are to be made available in the final report of the investigation.
This page last updated 13
October 2000.
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