Treatment for Malaria

Malaria is treated with antimalarial medications, which depend on the type of malaria parasite and the severity of the infection.

1. First-Line Treatments (Uncomplicated Malaria)
• Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) – The most effective treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Common ACTs include:
• Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem)
• Artesunate-amodiaquine
• Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine
• Chloroquine – Used for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale in areas where the parasite is not resistant.
• Primaquine – Used to prevent relapse in P. vivax and P. ovale infections by killing dormant liver-stage parasites.

2. Severe Malaria Treatment

For severe cases, especially those caused by P. falciparum:
• Intravenous (IV) Artesunate – Given in hospitals for life-threatening malaria.
• Quinine or Quinidine – Used if artesunate is unavailable.

3. Supportive Care
• Fluids & Electrolytes – To prevent dehydration.
• Blood Transfusion – If severe anemia occurs.
• Oxygen Therapy – If breathing problems develop.

Prevention of Malaria
• Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs)
• Take antimalarial drugs when traveling to high-risk areas
• Use mosquito repellents & wear protective clothing
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water, bushes, etc.)
1 1

Hmmmmm
1 1