Despite limitations, opportunities are opening up for effective malaria control. Insecticides, insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and ACTs are proven efficacious controls available that should be accessed by many. Substantial funding is now available for biomedical malaria research and for policy implementation. While the Global Fund is the financial engine behind the scaling up of ACT uptake, delays in cash flow after grant approval has led to many countries adopting ACT in 2004 but only few (nine) implementing it. Clear policies on granted funds and minimal politics within funding agencies might improve the situation. Increased interest in drug development together with the public and private sector partnership have led to new anti-malarials, some less expensive and therefore affordable by poor malaria endemic countries. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (Artekin) has a cost advantage over other ACTs (US$ 1 for an adult treatment) making it a potential best candidate for deployment in Africa.
Part of available funds should be invested into capacity building and strengthening (personnel, resources and infrastructure) of institutions in malaria endemic countries. This will create enabling environment and a critical mass of scientists and public health experts to spearhead ACT policy implementation. Active involvement of scientists from malaria endemic countries in recent International Scientific Forums like the Malaria in Pregnancy Working Group and the Consortium on ACT Implementation is the best way forward to emulate.
© 2004-2018 中国地质图书馆版权所有 京ICP备05064691号 京公网安备11010802017129号 地址:北京市海淀区学院路29号 邮编:100083 电话:办公室:(+86 10)66554848;文献借阅、咨询服务、科技查新:66554700 |