Select your language
A molecular marker of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Over the past decade, most countries endemic for Plasmodium falciparum malaria have shifted their national treatment policies to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), although many of these countries still do not conduct routine therapeutic efficacy studies. The development of parasite resistance to artemisinin – the key compounds in ACTs – is a major public health concern.
Resistance is occurring as a consequence of several factors, including poor treatment practices, inadequate patient adherence to prescribed antimalarial regimens, and the widespread availability of oral artemisinin-based monotherapies and substandard forms of the drug.
Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin derivatives in Southeast Asia threatens malaria control and elimination activities worldwide. To monitor the spread of artemisinin resistance, a molecular marker is urgently needed.
Using whole-genome sequencing of an artemisinin-resistant parasite line from Africa and clinical parasite isolates from Cambodia, mutations in the PF3D7_1343700 kelch propeller domain (‘K13-propeller’) with artemisinin resistance in vitro and in vivo were associated.
K13-propeller polymorphism constitutes a useful molecular marker for large-scale surveillance efforts to contain artemisinin resistance in the Greater Mekong Sub region and prevent its global spread.
Read more
A molecular marker of artemisinin- resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Related links
Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030
Following a request by the Malaria Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) in 2012, the WHO began coordinating the development of a Global Technical Strategy (GTS) for malaria control and elimination for the period from 2016 to 2030. This global strategy will provide Member States with updated, comprehensive and evidence-based technical guidance for accelerated action to control and eliminate malaria (covering all intervention areas), and for setting strategic directions and targets beyond 2015. Global Technical Strategy 2016-2030 was endorsed in sixty-eighth World Health Assembly, May 2015 (WHA68.2).
The GTS was developed in close collaboration with the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership’s Action and Investment to defeat malaria 2016-2030 – for a malaria-free world, which focus on global advocacy, resource mobilization, partner harmonization, the engagement of non-health sectors, and global, regional and country-level planning for the implementation of the Global Technical Strategy.
The Eastern Mediterranean Regional Action Plan for malaria control and elimination 2016–2020 was developed considering the WHO Regional (EM/RC55/R.9) and Global resolutions pertaining to malaria control and elimination and other related regional and strategies and frameworks including Integrated Vector Management and Public Health Pesticides management frameworks. The goal, objectives, targets and approaches of the Regional Action Plan are in line with Global Technical Strategy (GTS) 2016-2030. In October 2015, the Regional Committee endorsed the regional malaria action plan 2016–2020 for implementation of the Global technical strategy for malaria (EM/RC62/R.1).
Related links
Global Technical Strategy for Malaria
Action and Investment to defeat malaria 2016–2030 (AIM) – for a malaria-free world
WHA68.2 Global technical strategy and targets for malaria 2016–2030
GEF project on sustainable alternatives to DDT
A Global Environment Facility project entitled “Demonstration of sustainable alternatives to DDT and strengthening of national vector control capabilities in the Middle East and North Africa”, has been developed to: reduce the negative effects of DDT in public health and the global environment through the introduction of sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative interventions; and reduce the reliance on DDT in case of outbreaks of vector-borne diseases and minimize the potential of countries to revert to its use.
