MALARLIFE •NEWS Malaria Medicine - WHO optimistic on the efficacy April
26, 2001
A new malaria medicine developed by the World Health Organisation
(WHO) can prevent 100 000 child deaths a year in Africa, a boost for the Roll
Back Malaria (RBM) Initiative aimed at tackling the disease. The WHO said in
Abuja, at the first anniversary of the launch of RBM, that the drug, Artesunate,
would specifically target children with severe symptoms who do not have prompt
access to intra-venous treatment.
The drug is derived from the Chinese herb Artemisia Annua, and developed for
rectal use.
"Quickly absorbed, the drug halts the course of the disease, allowing the
patient to regain consciousness and reach a health centre for further definitive
curative treatment with oral and anti-malaria drugs," WHO said.
Young children face the greatest risk of dying from malaria, with a child dying
from the disease every 30 seconds.
