To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to publish the results of his Department's research study number 713/MoDREC/15 on anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis, including Lariam (Mefloquine).
The Defence Committee Report (HC567) made a series of recommendations on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) use of mefloquine (trade name Lariam), individual risk assessments, research undertaken research on mefloquine, and comparisons with the use of mefloquine by allies.
In response to the report, MOD introduced a new policy on prescribing antimalarial drugs on 12 September 2016. Anti-malaria drugs, including mefloquine, are only prescribed after a face-to-face individual risk assessment. The recommended anti-malaria drug is determined by the sensitivity of malaria parasites to those drugs in different parts of the world based on UKHSA guidance. Mefloquine is only prescribed by a doctor and after all other alternatives have been identified as unsuitable.
In all cases, the authority and supply details for anti-malarial drugs are recorded on the individual’s medical note. Personnel supplied with anti-malarial drugs are issued copies of all manufacturer-provided patient documentation relevant to that drug and are informed of all special warnings or precautions relevant to anti-malarial drugs.
The Department continues to monitor and publish bi-annual statistics on the number of mefloquine prescriptions given to UK Armed Forces personnel at MOD medical facilities.
The latest release of information can be found at the following link:
The next release is due to be published on 28 May 2026 and will include data from 12 September 2016 to 31 March 2026.
The MOD continues to monitor the use of mefloquine and other anti-malarial drugs by allies. This includes the extent to and circumstances in which mefloquine is prescribed.
The Department previously outlined its intention to conduct a research proposal into the impact of adverse effects of anti-malaria drugs focusing on the performance of military personnel exercising in Kenya. The study, ‘Impact of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis on functional effectiveness of military personnel’ (713/MODREC/15) was initiated and data on the impact of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis on the functional effectiveness of military personnel collected from two British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) battlegroups between 2017-18. Following a delay in the analysis of the data, the department intend to undertake further work to be able publish the findings in a peer reviewed journal in 2027.
Answered on 1 Jun 2026