Why in news?
The World Health Organization’s 2025 malaria report has warned that the malaria parasite is showing partial resistance to artemisinin–based treatments in several African countries. Though current medicines still cure most patients, delayed parasite clearance is raising concerns and prompting calls for new drugs and vigilant monitoring.
Background
Artemisinin is a compound extracted from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua) and is the backbone of modern malaria therapy. It was discovered in the 1970s by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou and has saved millions of lives. Because malaria parasites can quickly mutate, artemisinin is always administered as part of an artemisinin‑based combination therapy (ACT), where a second drug kills any surviving parasites. ACTs have been highly effective and are widely used across Asia and Africa.
Current situation
- Partial resistance defined: In some patients the parasites take longer to clear from the bloodstream after treatment. This delay is linked to mutations in the parasite’s PfK13 gene. If partner drugs remain effective, the patient still recovers, but the slower clearance gives the parasites more opportunities to adapt.
- Geographic spread: Confirmed cases of partial resistance have been reported in Eritrea, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. Suspected cases exist in Ethiopia, Namibia, Sudan and Zambia. Resistance first emerged in Southeast Asia and has now reached East Africa.
- New therapies: Researchers are developing improved ACTs and triple‑drug regimens to outpace resistance. A combination called GanLum, which uses artemisinin with different partner drugs, has shown promise in clinical trials and may be deployed if current ACTs start to fail.
- Surveillance and prevention: The WHO urges countries to strengthen monitoring of treatment efficacy, enhance vector control measures such as bed nets and indoor spraying, and promote responsible use of antimalarials to delay the spread of resistant strains.
Significance
- Protecting recent gains: Malaria deaths have declined dramatically over the past two decades thanks to ACTs. Rising resistance threatens to reverse these gains, especially in children and pregnant women.
- Need for innovation: Developing new drugs and combinations requires substantial investment and coordination between governments, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Future therapies must be affordable and easy to administer in resource‑limited settings.
- Regional cooperation: Resistant parasites do not respect borders. Countries must share data and coordinate vector control to prevent outbreaks from spreading.
Conclusion
Artemisinin remains one of the most potent weapons against malaria, but the emergence of partial resistance is an early warning. Continued vigilance, investment in research and equitable access to mosquito control and healthcare will be essential to stay ahead of the parasite and preserve the progress made toward malaria elimination.
Source: TH
