India puts in place mechanisms to combat malaria as drug resistance poses serious challenge
India is now putting in place a mechanism to combat malaria as drug resistance poses a serious challenge. The treatment of malaria depends on timely diagnosis and efficient medication, especially artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) that help in getting rid of parasites and relieve symptoms. Nonetheless, drug resistance puts forward a serious challenge, which makes it important to keep an eye on the ongoing progress of novel therapies.
Genetic engineering introduces fresh pathways, like gene-drive technology, intending to change the mosquito population, to constrain the transmission of malaria. Additionally, nature-based interventions such as altering habitats and controlling larval sources are limiting breeding sites of mosquitoes, said Dr Ather Pasha, consultant, internal medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
Novel developments to curb malaria have taken place on various fronts, from progressive vaccines to innovative mosquito control strategies. In the future, WHO-recommended vaccines – RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M can prove pivotal for the fight against Malaria. Such vaccines have demonstrated the potential in fortifying our immune system against, the parasite Plasmodium falciparum that causes malaria. Given the recent developments, the need of the hour is more sustainable and effective tools, said Pasha.
Collective efforts that combine biomedical, ecological, and technological approaches give rise to a multifaceted approach to fight malaria, resulting in an optimistic progression towards eradication of malaria. Lack of access to malaria care facilities, especially in remote areas persists, impeding timely diagnosis and treatment, he added.
Inclusive locality-focused approaches paired with education and safeguarding procedures, enhance efforts at curbing the disease. Collective efforts, including government initiatives, NGOs, and international organizations, play a vital role in overcoming these challenges, and aim for an all-rounded malaria prevention and care, he noted.
Extreme temperatures due to climate change can affect the spread of malaria infection. Both humidity and rainfall allow for the growth cycle of Malaria causing the parasite to speed up, which can also cause higher transmission rates. Severe climate change like flooding affects access to intervention and other resources, especially in the most vulnerable regions, Dr Pasha told Pharmabiz.
To address this wide disparity reaching the community through better access to healthcare resources, awareness campaigns, volunteer programs to reach remote areas, etc can be undertaken.
Malaria caused by Plasmodium parasite and spread to humans by Anopheles mosquitoes is affecting a sizeable portion of the population globally. In 2023, World Malaria Report of the World Health Organization indicates 6,08,000 malaria fatalities were estimated. Although malaria is endemic in various parts globally, the impact in Sub-Saharan Africa remains rather enormous. In fact the African Region has the highest global burden of malaria. Over half of the overall fatalities were reported from Mozambique, Nigeria, The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This huge disparity is seen in the population, as 94% of all cases were home to this region. Mortality in children – particularly below the age of 5 estimated for 78% of fatalities in the region. These conditions make implementing preventive measures tougher, noted Dr Pasha.
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