Some pieces of information on this page may have been automatically translated. Makernews is not responsible for the irregularities resulting from these translations. When in doubt, consult the original text.
The World Health Organization (WHO) launches global alert against new cases of malaria resistant to artemisinin. The drug is the major component of treatment for malaria and was responsible for recent successes in reducing global cases.
The drug resistance, according to the WHO, may jeopardize the progress in the control and elimination of malaria. The first resistant cases were observed on the border between Cambodia and Thailand in 2008. Now, were also found in Myanmar and Vietnam.
According to the agency, "The resistance to artemisinin arise elsewhere, the" global health consequences can be severe. "
The WHO stresses that are needed $ 450 million over the next three years to combat malaria. The disease is endemic in 10 countries in the Western Pacific, including Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam.
Meeting in the Philippine capital Manila, the Regional Committee of WHO is urging governments to capitalize on the political commitment to respond to combat malaria. The meeting highlights the unequal access to health systems, particularly the most vulnerable and the need to consolidate actions beyond the health sector, including trade, labor, immigration and agriculture.