Malaria - A Clear Recommendation For Treatment Combinations

Main Category: Tropical Diseases
Article Date: 04 Jan 2007 - 12:00 PDT


Each year, malaria affects 500 million people and kills at least one million. Today, the parasite has become resistant to anti-malarials that contain only artemisinin and WHO has requested laboratories to end the marketing and sale of single-drug treatments.

When used correctly, in combination with other anti-malarial drugs in Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs), artemisinin is nearly 95% effective in curing malaria and the parasite is highly unlikely to become drug resistant. So far, 17 pharmaceutical laboratories have agreed to apply this recommendation and WHO is still negotiating with others.

In September, WHO announced that indoor spraying with DDT and other insecticides would once again play a major role in its efforts to fight the disease. WHO is encouraging countries to consider appropriate preventive measures.

One of the most effective means of preventing malaria is by associating indoor spraying with residual insecticide and widespread use of insecticide-impregnated bednets, especially long-lasting insecticidal nets that remain effective for up to five years without re-treatment.

World Health Organization (WHO)

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