Situation analysis of drug resistant malaria in Myanmar

ABSTRACT

Since early 70's drug resistant falciparum malaria has been discovered and gradually emerged as a major hindrance to effective management of malaria. Drug sensitivity tests conducted all over the country revealed that, chloroquine resistant was highest near the Thailand border, with RII/III more than 60 percent and lower near India border with RII/III 25 percent. Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (S-P) resistance was also highest near the Thailand border with RII/III 45 percent and lowest in the delta area with RII/III 15 percent. Although Mefloquine resistance has been discovered near the Thailand border with RII/III 5-20 percent Plasmodium falciparum is almost sensitive to the drug in other parts of Myanmar. The studies conclude that, chloroquine and S-P drugs are still effective for treatment of uncomplicated malaria among the semiimmune persons residing in the endemic areas, while mefloquine is a drug of choice for non-immune persons and high risk groups.