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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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China to Test Controversial Malaria Treatment

Researchers aim to eradicate disease on African island

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(Newser) – A Chinese researcher will test a radical new strategy designed to wipe out malaria on a small African island, the International Herald Tribune reports. Mass treatment with a highly effective antimalarial drug would virtually clear the parasite from patients' blood, but critics fear the plan could backfire, causing drug resistance to develop and and eliminating the best treatment option.

The drug, artemisinin, is the only one effective against all strains of malaria and all stages of the parasite. The Chinese government will foot the bill for the experiment, to be performed on Moheli, part of the Indian Ocean nation of Comoros. More than half of the island's population contracts malaria annually, so participation rates are expected to be high.

A young boy waits his turn to be tested for malaria, in Manhica, Mozambique, in this February 2000, file photo. Africa marked its annual anti-malaria day Wednesday, April 25, 2007, with new hope that political will, a cash boost and better treatment and prevention methods may finally turn the tables...
A young boy waits his turn to be tested for malaria, in Manhica, Mozambique, in this February 2000, file photo. Africa marked its annual anti-malaria day Wednesday, April 25, 2007, with new hope that...   (Associated Press)
Mosquito
Mosquito   (Getty Images)
The flag of the Union of Comoros, the nation participating in the malaria trial.
The flag of the Union of Comoros, the nation participating in the malaria trial.   (Archive Photos)
Assorted pills
Assorted pills   (Archive Photos)
Pills
Pills   (KRT Photos)
No Mosquito
No Mosquito   ((c) Marshall Astor / Life on the Edge)
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China • Africa • health • drugs • malaria • public health • artemisinin • treatment • Indian Ocean • Moheli • Comoros

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