Strathmore experts warn malaria drug resistance rising

Scientists raise concern over early mutations associated with reduced sensitivity to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) used in malaria treatment. [Courtesy]

A landmark study published in Nature: Scientific Reports, one of the world's most cited scientific journals, has raised urgent concerns about the future of malaria treatment in Kenya. The research shows that resistance to commonly used antimalarial drugs is rapidly increasing in western Kenya, with evidence that the parasite may be evolving faster than current interventions can effectively control it.

The study was led by Dr Andrew Omandi Cole and Professor Gilbert Kokwaro of Strathmore University, in collaboration with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust in Kilifi and the National Malaria Control Programme. It examined how Plasmodium falciparum is evolving under Multiple First-Line Therapy (MFT) strategies for uncomplicated malaria.