Thursday, 13 January 2011

WHO launches plan to halt malaria drug resistance

In 2010, less than half of countries, were routinely conducting tests on the efficacy of malaria drugs

via CAAI

GENEVA — The World Health Organisation on Wednesday launched a global plan to halt the spread of resistance to artemisinin, a key compound of new malaria drugs, warning that not acting would be "catastrophic."

"It is no exaggeration for me to say that the consequences of widespread resistance to artemisinins would be catastrophic," said Margaret Chan, director-general of the UN health agency.

Resistance has emerged in areas on the Cambodia-Thailand border, while a spread to other areas in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam is suspected.

In its new action plan, the WHO said more than 175 million dollars in funding would be required for research and to contain the resistance in these areas.

It also urged countries to step up surveillance of drug resistance, saying that in 2010, less than half -- 31 of 75 -- of countries, were routinely conducting tests on the efficacy of malaria drugs.

"The emergence of artemisinin resistance has been a wake-up call. It gives us another compelling reason to step up existing control measures with the greatest sense of urgency," said Chan.

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