Malaria, a deadly and debilitating disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, has long posed a major public health threat in Africa. Although significant progress has been made in recent years in the fight against the disease, a worrying new trend has emerged: the rise of resistant strains of malaria.
Resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been the first-line treatment for malaria for over a decade. These treatments have proven to be highly effective in saving countless lives and reducing the number of malaria cases worldwide. However, in recent years, resistance to ACTs has begun to emerge in parts of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Spread of resistance
The first reports of resistance to ACT emerged in 2008 in Cambodia, followed by reports in Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. In Africa, the first cases of ACT resistance were reported in 2014 in western Kenya, then in South Sudan.
Consequences of resistance
The rise of resistant strains of malaria has significant consequences for African countries. With fewer effective treatment options, the disease becomes more difficult to manage and the risk of death increases. Resistance is also undermining efforts to eliminate malaria, a goal set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2030.
Economic impacts
Malaria not only poses a significant threat to public health, but it also has considerable economic consequences. The disease is estimated to cost Africa more than $12 billion a year in lost productivity, medical costs and other economic burdens.
Global response
In response to the increase in resistant strains of malaria, the WHO has called for increased funding and investment in malaria research and development. The agency also stressed the importance of effective treatment and surveillance to monitor the spread of resistance.
African countries are also taking steps to address the threat of resistant strains of malaria. In 2019, the African Union launched a malaria elimination campaign, which aims to reduce malaria cases by 90% by 2030. Several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria and Ethiopia, have also implemented implemented innovative strategies to combat the disease, including the use of insecticides. -treated mosquito nets and residual spraying indoors.
The rise of resistant strains of malaria constitutes a major public health crisis that threatens progress made in the fight against the disease. African countries must continue to prioritize malaria control and elimination efforts, while also supporting research and development to identify new, effective treatments. The global community must also come together to support African countries in their efforts to combat this deadly disease.
Comments are closed