Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Researchers from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, and Senegal under the Emerging Genomics Selection and Antimalarial Tolerance project, on Tuesday, convened a regional meeting in Lagos to discuss the findings of their respective studies on how to combat antimalarial drug resistance in the West Africa region.
This multi-country collaboration, funded by the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, addresses the escalating issue of drug resistance in malaria parasites across West Africa, a region heavily burdened by the disease.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise shortly after the meeting, the lead principal investigator for the EGSAT project, Professor Alfred Ngwa highlighted concerns about antimalarial drug resistance, noting that some malaria parasites have developed resistance to commonly used treatments.
Ngwa, a researcher with the Medical Research Council Unit in Gambia, explained that this resistance had led to a situation where patients may require multiple rounds of treatment to overcome the infection.
While stressing that resistance to antimalarial drugs was a growing concern in Africa, the don stated that the EGSAT project was aimed at identifying the prevalence and distribution of resistant parasites across West Africa and assess their impact on public health.
Ngwa added that the EGSAT project seeks to monitor and address these challenges by investigating the effectiveness of current treatments and exploring alternative therapeutic options.
He further said the project also includes surveillance efforts to track the movement of resistant parasites across borders.
He, however, lamented that despite the advancements of new drug combinations, some regions in Africa were reporting resistance to these newer drugs as well.
Ngwa stressed the importance of regional collaboration in malaria control efforts.
He maintained that the project’s scope spans four countries, with researchers working together to understand and mitigate the spread of resistant parasites.
This cross-border approach, he noted, is essential for developing effective strategies to control malaria on a larger scale.
The researcher noted that the persistence of high malaria transmission rates and the emergence of drug-resistant parasites complicate efforts to achieve eradication by 2030.
He emphasised the importance of sustained efforts, increased funding, and cross-country collaboration in advancing malaria control.
On his part, a molecular biologist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Dr. Ajibayi Olusola said the EGSAT project in the country focuses on evaluating the efficacy of antimalarial drugs, particularly in regions with high malaria prevalence.
He said the project has selected specific zones in Nigeria, including Lagos in the southwest and Ilorin in the north-central region, for intensive study.
Olusola explained that the aim is to assess the performance of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy, specifically the drug combinations containing Artemisinin and partner drugs, against the malaria parasite population in these areas.
He stated that the research has revealed significant findings about the diversity and complexity of malaria parasites in Nigeria.
He noted that the in-vivo and in-vitro studies conducted as part of the project have shown that Nigeria’s parasite populations exhibit unique characteristics compared to those in other participating countries.
This information, he argued, is crucial for understanding how the parasites respond to current treatments and for identifying potential resistance patterns.
Olusola, however, identified self-medication and indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs as one of the major challenges leading to Antimalaria resistance in the country.
According to him, many individuals in Nigeria and other parts of Africa purchase antimalarial medications over the counter without proper diagnostic testing.
“This practice contributes to the development of drug resistance, as untreated or incorrectly treated infections can lead to the emergence of resistant strains of the parasite,” he noted.
While noting that the EGSAT project aims to address these challenges by promoting accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Olusola emphasised the importance of conducting tests before administering antimalarial drugs to ensure patients receive the correct treatment.
He maintained that this approach is essential for preventing resistance and improving treatment outcomes.
“The EGSAT project’s findings will be instrumental in shaping future malaria control strategies. By identifying and addressing drug resistance, researchers aim to develop more effective treatments and interventions.
“The project’s regional focus allows for a comprehensive understanding of malaria dynamics across different countries, providing valuable insights for public health policymakers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director at the Biochemistry Department of the NIMR, Dr. Oluwagbenga Aina, expressed doubts about achieving the 2030 malaria eradication target, citing Nigeria’s current status as a control level rather than pre-elimination.
Despite significant efforts since the adoption of the ACT policy in 2005, he noted a troubling increase in malaria burden compared to previous years.
Speaking on the EGSAT project, Aina said the research and collaboration involved in this multi-country initiative were vital for addressing the growing issue of drug resistance.
He noted that through comprehensive studies and cross-border cooperation, the project aims to develop effective strategies for controlling malaria and ultimately achieving the goal of eradication.
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