What you might not know
Malaria is a preventable and curable infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito.
- More than 1 Million of the 300-500 million cases of Malaria each year result in death.
- Malaria is the leading cause of death for children under age 5 in sub-Saharan Africa, and a predominant killer of pregnant women and their unborn children.
- This tragedy is due to lack of access to effective treatment and preventative tools.
- Illness and death resulting from Malaria combine to cost Africa an estimated $12 billion in lost productivity each year.
Treatment for Malaria
Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies, or ACTs, are now considered to be the best treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria.
- Based on an ancient Chinese herbal remedy, Artemisisa annua, ACT's quickly clear Malaria parasites from the blood stream and have few side effects.
- For detailed information on Malaria treatment, please refer to the:
World Health Organization's Guide for the Treatment of Malaria
Substandard and Counterfeit Drug Distribution
The production and distribution of substandard and counterfeit drugs, including ACTs, is a huge problem.
- Adulterated medicines contain little or no active ingredients found in their branded equivalent, and often have adverse health effects.
- The WHO estimates up to 200,000 malaria-related deaths would be avoidable each year if the drugs administered were effective, of good quality and used correctly.
- A recent study by Africa Fighting Malaria published in PLoS ONE found that 35% of anti-malarial drugs, including ACTs, sold in six major African cities failed at least one critical quality control test.
- This means a mother buying a Malaria treatment for her child has a 65% chance that it will work — this is unacceptable.
- In response to this study, the Governments of Kenya and Rwanda have initiated investigations into drug counterfeiters and nationwide pharmacies.
- For more information on counterfeit drugs, see the American Council on Science and Health's recently updated report "Counterfeit Drugs: Coming to a Pharmacy Near You".
