Malaria is an infectious disease spread by mosquitoes. More than 1 million people a year die of it. Many agents have been developed to fight malaria. But, since parasites develop resistance to available medicines, new research is needed. Pharmaceutical industry has engaged in many research programmes to address this challenge.
Disease: Malaria
Last update: July 2009
Intro
FAQ: What can be done about it?
Quinine was one of the first effective treatments. Derivatives of quinine still continue to be useful but resistance to them is increasing. A new medicine from a Chinese plant has been developed and is used in combination with other treatments. Great efforts are being made to prevent mosquitoes from infecting humans, including environmental management.