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Published online 14 July 2009 | 460, 310-311 (2009) | doi:10.1038/460310b
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Malaria drug-makers ignore WHO ban
Health agency calls for clampdown on artemisinin monotherapy.
There is a growing risk that malaria parasites will develop resistance to artemisinin because almost half of both its manufacturers and malaria-affected countries are failing to comply with World Health Organization (WHO) demands to sell it only in combination with other drugs. Artemisinin and its derivatives are the leading treatments for the disease, being the only antimalarials that have not yet seen widespread resistance in malaria parasites.
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Drug making companies has to think about humanity above their personal gain.Resistant malaria parasite will affect to all of us.Research being done to develope Malaria vaccine by ICGEB & other global research bodies need to be encouraged and fully funded. A joint effort of govt official, private companies and research scientist is need of the hour. Anurag chaurasia, NBAIM, ICAR, India
These figures can be most discomforting: Less than 50% (34 out of 69) of malaria drugs manufacturers have been quiet on WHO’s request to withdraw the monotherapies. Slightly more than 50% (39 out of 76) of countries’ regulatory authorities are said to be following WHO’s recommendations. Malaria continues to be the top killers in many poor and destitute nations. Its eradication has been the main concern of WHO in the past several decades. Drug dealers and manufacturers ought to focus more on long-term cure than immediate profit making. It would be wise to follow WHO’s instructions. Meanwhile, WHO would keep monitoring the situation to ensure countries affected comply to its stringent rules. (Tan Boon Tee)