Malaria is a significant public health issue in Africa, with the majority of the world’s malaria cases and deaths occurring on the continent. While there are several types of antimalarial drugs available, some are more commonly used in Africa due to the prevalence of certain strains of the Plasmodium parasite and the availability of medication.
- Chloroquine
Chloroquine is a medication that has been used for decades to prevent and treat malaria. It works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to digest and use hemoglobin. Chloroquine is effective against all types of malaria, but some strains of the Plasmodium parasite have developed resistance to this medication. In Africa, chloroquine is still commonly used in areas where the malaria parasite is susceptible to it.
Chloroquine is an affordable and effective medication that is widely available in Africa. It is particularly useful in areas with low transmission rates of malaria, as it can be used as a prophylactic treatment to prevent infection. Chloroquine is also useful for treating uncomplicated malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite, which is common in some parts of Africa.
- Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs)
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are a combination of two or more antimalarial drugs that work together to kill the parasite. ACTs are the most effective treatment for malaria and are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. In Africa, ACTs are widely used as the primary treatment for malaria due to their high efficacy and relatively low cost.
ACTs are a combination of an artemisinin derivative and another antimalarial drug, such as amodiaquine, lumefantrine, or piperaquine. The artemisinin component works quickly to kill the parasites in the bloodstream, while the other drug component clears any remaining parasites from the body. This combination therapy ensures that the parasites are killed quickly and completely, reducing the risk of drug resistance.
ACTs are highly effective against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which is the most deadly strain of the malaria parasite in Africa. They are also effective against other types of malaria, including Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale. ACTs have been shown to reduce the risk of treatment failure and malaria-related deaths, making them an essential component of malaria control and elimination efforts in Africa.
- Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP)
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is a combination medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to produce DNA and RNA, ultimately leading to its death. SP is effective against certain types of malaria, including Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most deadly strain of the malaria parasite in Africa. SP is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs, such as amodiaquine or artesunate.
SP is commonly used as an alternative treatment to ACTs in areas where the parasite has developed resistance to artemisinin derivatives. It is also used as a prophylactic treatment for pregnant women to prevent malaria during pregnancy, which can lead to severe health problems for both the mother and the baby.
- Amodiaquine
Amodiaquine is a medication used to prevent and treat malaria. It works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to digest and use hemoglobin, ultimately leading to its death. Amodiaquine is effective against certain types of malaria, including Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most deadly
5. Quinine
Quinine is a medication used to treat severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It works by interfering with the parasite’s ability to metabolize glucose, which ultimately leads to its death. Quinine is often used in combination with other antimalarial drugs for maximum effectiveness.
