Browsing: malaria

EL PASO, Texas (March 3, 2025) – Can a drug that’s used to treat malaria be repurposed to fight cancer? Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have secured a patent for the anti-malarial drug pyronaridine to do just that.

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In a concerning development, malaria cases in the Philippines nearly doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, with climate change emerging as a significant contributing factor, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

As Palawan charts its course towards a malaria-free future, the unity and commitment displayed at the 14th Provincial Malaria Congress serve as a beacon of hope. With healthcare providers, officials, and the community working hand in hand, Palawan is poised to eliminate the disease, contributing significantly to the nationwide goal of a Philippines entirely free from this infectious disease. The efforts in Palawan, underscored by resilience and dedication, illuminate the path forward and exemplify the collective strength required to overcome the final challenges in this fight. The province’s journey serves as an inspiration for regions worldwide grappling with the persistent threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a concerning rise in malaria cases in the Philippines.  From January to September 2023, there were 4,777 reported cases, compared to 3,207 cases during the same period in 2022. This uptick highlights the pressing need for proactive measures and public awareness to address the growing threat of malaria in the country. Malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, continues to pose a significant global health challenge. In a recent media briefing, Dr Jhobert Bernal, the technical supervisor of the National Reference Laboratories for Malaria and Other Parasites, emphasised the crucial role of early detection and accurate diagnosis in preventing malaria transmission within communities. The importance of timely intervention becomes even more apparent as global malaria cases increase to 247 million in 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization.

The Philippines, grappling with an alarming TB burden, has witnessed a stark 37 percent decline in TB case notifications in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is stepping in with crucial support, launching a dedicated TB Recovery Plan to bolster the National TB Program’s efforts in combating this scourge. We also spoke with Dr. Hansel E. Ybañez, field operations manager for USAID.

Malaria cases are rising in Malaysia, despite lower prevalence rates in other parts of Asia. Data suggests climate change and other factors are contributing to this upswing.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease, has plagued humanity for centuries. Despite advances in medical science, it remains a persistent public health challenge, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.  In this article, we explore the dynamics of malaria, its prevalence in the region, and the ongoing efforts to eradicate this deadly disease.

World Malaria Day is an opportunity for the global community to raise awareness and recommit to the fight. This year’s theme, “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement”, underscores the need for increased investment, innovation, and action to accelerate progress in this ongoing fight. Governments, communities, and partners must continue to work together. Collectively, they can reduce the global burden that this disease carries. Finally, they will ensure that everyone living at risk has access to lifesaving tools and interventions.

Mosquitoes are common insects found in our environment which act as vectors and transmit infectious diseases. The whole world is…