Résumé
Malaria remains the most prevalent and devastating public health problem in Africa despite considerable research and control efforts over the last two decades. Chloroquine in total dose of 25mg/Kg over three days is the first choice treatment of malaria in 4-aminoquinoline sensitive areas. Amodiaquine 25mg/Kg over three days is the second line treatment. Pyrimethamine/sulphonamide combinations are useful in areas where resistance to 4-aminoquinolines exist. Quinine 10mg/Kg every eight hours for seven days is the treatment of choice for severe and complicated malaria. In most parts of Africa; Proguanil 200mg daily together with chloroquine 5 mg/Kg per week is recommended for prophylaxis. However; in hard core multi-drug resistance areas; mefloquine 250mg once weekly together with chloroquine 300mg weekly is recommended. Because no anti-malarial drug can guarantee absolute protection against infection; basic preventive measures like the use of mosquito nets impregnated with permethrin; insecticides and mosquito repellents are advocated for those at high risk of severe malaria