Global Health Crisis Fears as Malaria Parasite in Southeast Asia Develops Drug Resistance
InfoSearched
Published -
- July 30, 2019
- 7:51 am
Scientists are warning that the most effective drug used to treat malaria is becoming ineffective in parts of Southeast Asia
And unless rapid action is taken, it could lead to a global health emergency.
Writing in the Lancet journal, researchers from Thailand’s Mahidol University and Britain’s Oxford University say parasites that carry malaria are developing resistance to a key drug combination across multiple regions of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
What are the challenges in managing drug-resistant malaria, and how can they be addressed?
Global Health Crisis Fears as Malaria Parasite in Southeast Asia Develops Drug Resistance
Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, affecting millions of people and claiming hundreds of thousands of lives every year. This mosquito-borne illness is caused by a parasite that can infect both humans and animals, and it is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. In recent years, scientists have been warning about the growing problem of drug-resistant malaria, which poses a significant threat to global health.
The latest threat comes from Southeast Asia where the malaria parasite has developed resistance to a commonly used antimalarial drug, artemisinin. This is worrying news because artemisinin is the main ingredient in the most effective treatment for the disease, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). ACTs are widely used in the global fight against malaria, which makes this development a cause for concern.
The emergence of drug-resistant malaria in Southeast Asia is not a new issue. The regions encompassing Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam have been grappling with it for many years. However, the situation is getting worse as the resistance is spreading to other countries in the region, including Laos and Myanmar. Recently, a study found that resistance to artemisinin in Myanmar had reached 25% of the total cases. This is a sharp increase from the less than 5% resistance recorded a few years ago.
The spread of drug-resistant malaria in Southeast Asia is driven mainly by the overuse and misuse of antimalarial drugs. In many cases, people take these drugs without a prescription, and the wrong dosage can lead to the development of resistance. Additionally, these drugs are sometimes used as prophylactics, which may also contribute to resistance.
The challenges of managing drug-resistant malaria are numerous, including the need for new and effective drugs. Ensuring access to these drugs for those who need them in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure is also a significant challenge. Furthermore, the high cost of the drugs and the lack of political will to invest in disease control programs make it even more complicated.
If nothing is done to curb the spread of drug-resistant malaria in Southeast Asia, it could quickly become a global health crisis. Malaria is already a significant burden in many parts of the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. If the situation worsens, it could lead to a surge in malaria cases and deaths, undoing the progress that has been made in recent years.
In conclusion, the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria in Southeast Asia are a significant concern for global health. It underscores the need for stronger prevention and control measures, including limiting the overuse and misuse of antimalarial drugs, investing in disease control programs, and developing new and more effective drugs. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for millions of people around the world.
