Study trumps universal malaria drug provision
14/07/2008
Malaria drugs should be provided to children in high-risk areas irrespective of whether they are infected, new research has shown.
A study of almost 5,000 schoolchildren in western Kenya - jointly carried out by local and British scientists - found that blanket provision of anti-malarial drugs can significantly cut infection rates.
The experts found that by administering full courses of the treatment three times a year, the children were significantly less likely to contract malaria as well as related conditions such as anaemia.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Willis Akhwale, the head of the National Malaria Control Programme in Kenya, said simply: "If they are given this medicine, then you see their performance improving."
He continued: "If you prevent malaria infection, then you reduce the chances of anaemia and the children therefore have better attention while in school and slowly over time, you see them improving in their educational achievements."
Dismissing any suggestions of side-effects, Dr Akhwale added that the study reported no increase in other negative health issues - nor did it appear to give rise to heightened resistance among the Plasmodium falciparum parasite that causes malaria.
However, critics counter that a more widespread programme would likely entail such complications - and they further caution that universal provision of the drugs would be too costly for many nations.
Malaria kills more than one million people each year - mostly malnourished African children whose weakened immune systems are incapable of fending off the disease.
©