–as deadly falciparum species starts to fight back

A PRELIMINARY test by the Vector Control Unit (VCU) has revealed that the Plasmodium falciparum, one of the most common and most deadly malarial parasites, is beginning to show signs of resistance to “first-level” medication.

According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), malaria is a disease caused by the parasite, Plasmodium, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Only the Anopheles genus of the mosquito can transmit malaria. The symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting, and or headache.
PAHO had reported that chloroquine was the treatment of choice for malaria, and is still followed in most countries for treatment of the P. Vivax parasite, but the P. falciparum has seemingly developed a resistance to it.

Director of the National Malaria Programme, Dr Quacy Grant, during a National Malaria Technical Oversight Committee meeting on Monday revealed that the discovery was made locally as well during a preliminary test, but has indicated that further research will be needed to determine whether they should move from “first-level” to “second-level” treatment.
For years, the VCU has been trying to reduce the social and economic impact of malaria on individuals and communities.

According to Dr. Grant, the disease continues to be prevalent in the mining and logging districts. Those areas which are located in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have been labelled as endemic.

Regions 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have been listed as low-endemic regions.
The mining areas are, however, the most difficult to access, and that poses a threat to their aim of eliminating the disease.

Part of the National Malaria Strategic Plan 2015-2019 is to reduce the malaria burden by at least 40 per cent, particularly relative to the recorded 19,000 reported cases of malaria in 2014. It also involves eliminating P. Falciparum transmission during that period.
The trace of resistance can pose a threat to their battle. And if further research proves that it is happening, then it might even affect their chances of achieving their goal.

The VCU, nevertheless, intends to continue tackling the disease by empowering miners and loggers to test for malaria. During that process, they will also approach stakeholders to assist them in mapping out the mining district.
“We will put malaria back on the front burner… As mining increases, so will malaria, so we have to target the hinterland communities where the disease is more prevalent,” Dr Grant said, adding that vulnerable groups such as children, Indigenous Peoples and pregnant women will also be priorities.

Going forward, the Unit reportedly intends to achieve the goals of Health Vision 2020, which include building stronger partnerships with the Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other programmes.
Dr. Grant also highlighted that those involved with the National Malaria Programme will be collaborating more with stakeholders such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Education.

Minister of Public Health, Ms Volda Lawrence also shared similar sentiments, noting that the National Oversight Committee is the ideal body to bring together persons from different spectrums to share their views on how they can combat the disease.
The minister pointed to the need for communication among stakeholders, especially when crafting a strategic approach to eradicating malaria.

She also emphasised the need for capacity-building and advocacy for the prevention of malaria.
“We need to see more marches and interaction… Although we do not have the capacity to go from door to door, we need to speak up about malaria,” she said.

In the interim, persons are being reminded to take precautionary measures such as the use of insecticide-treated nets at home, and indoor residual spraying of insecticides.
These precautions act by decreasing exposure to bites of infected mosquitoes.