South African Women Lead Regional Action Plan Against Drug-Resistant Malaria

Groundbreaking Regional Malaria Plan Launched

A team of South African women researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has spearheaded the development of a Detailed Regional Action Plan to address growing antimalarial drug resistance in East Africa. Approved in 2023, the plan establishes standardized protocols for:

• Drug procurement and inventory management
• Protection of vulnerable groups (pregnant women, children under 5, and migrant populations)
• Targeted interventions for identified resistance hotspots

"This provides the missing framework to coordinate evidence-based responses," explained Dr. Stephanie van Wyk, UCT senior researcher and project lead.

The Malaria Threat Spectrum

Dr. Gwasupika Jonathan, UCT clinical researcher, outlined critical risks:

1. Disease Progression:
   • Uncomplicated malaria (fever, chills) can escalate to complicated malaria within 72 hours without treatment
   • Vital organ damage (kidneys, lungs) and severe anemia are common outcomes
2. Prevention Gaps:
   • Despite available tools like insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying, adoption remains low
   • "Delayed care-seeking by parents worsens outcomes for children," noted Dr. Jonathan

READ: South Africa with World's Highest HIV Cases, Supports $40 per Year Lenacapavir HIV Prevention Drug. |

Focus on Drug Resistance

While South Africa and immediate neighbors currently face low resistance risks, confirmed cases in Tanzania have triggered regional alarm. The action plan introduces:

• Data visualization tools to map resistance patterns
• Resource allocation guides for national malaria programs
• Cross-border collaboration protocols

"Where there was disbelief about resistance, we now have irrefutable evidence," said Dr. van Wyk, highlighting broad stakeholder support for the initiative.