Researchers have not identified any cases of antimalaria drug resistance in Africa. The scientists meeting in Nairobi said recent reports of resistance to the most effective treatment - the artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) - are inaccurate. "There is no confirmed resistance in Africa," said head of disease control in Kenya Dr Willis Akhwale.
Artemisinin resistance is considered a global emergency because the resistant parasite can kill millions of people if it spread to regions with high malaria burden such as Africa. Few cases of resistance have been reported in Asia and scientists meeting in Nairobi are now formulating a response plan for Africa. "Eastern African nations must act now: be vigilant and prepare for the possible emergence of antimalarial resistance," the scientists said in a statement.
...