Ivermectin for Malaria Control: A Promising New Tool with a Looming Challenge of Resistance
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: General Science (Health - Communicable diseases like Malaria, River Blindness, Lymphatic Filariasis; Vectors; Drugs like Ivermectin; Drug Resistance).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Health): Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
General Studies Paper 3 (S&T): Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Awareness in the fields of Bio-technology.
Key Highlights from the News
Studies are underway on the use of Ivermectin as a new method to control malaria.
This is an endectocide. Mosquitoes that bite a person who has taken this medicine die. This is a new vector control strategy to destroy mosquitoes.
The BOHEMIA trial in Kenya was successful (26% reduction in malaria cases). However, another trial in Guinea-Bissau was not effective.
Main Advantage: Unlike mosquito nets and spraying which target mosquitoes biting at night and indoors, Ivermectin can destroy mosquitoes that bite anywhere, anytime. This can help combat evolving mosquito behaviour.
Main Challenge: High possibility of mosquitoes developing resistance to this drug. Widespread use of this drug in veterinary medicine increases this threat.
COMMENTS