A recent study in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet found emerging strains of medication-resistant malaria. Resistant strains of malaria are now surfacing in some of the highest risk populations around the world. The over-reliance and over-treatment with prescription medication is forcing the malaria causing parasite to adapt and mutate.
Researchers now state the global efforts to eradicate malaria are now seriously compromised. In 2009 researchers first noted possible mutations in the parasites. Malaria parasites are most commonly spread by mosquitoes.
The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit compiled data of more than 3 200 patients over a nine-year period. They found that the “most effective drugs” became less effective and over 20% of patients began to show resistance. Resistance means that one is at greater risk of contracting the disease.
“It would certainly compromise the idea of eliminating malaria that’s for sure and will probably translate into a resurgence of malaria in many places” according to Professor Francois Nosten.
Mutated parasite impacts millions?
It has already been deemed a possible public health disaster in sub-Saharan Africa where most of the malaria related deaths are found. The spread of this mutated parasite could pose a serious risk to millions of people.
Nosten indicated that the diminished response to the standard worldwide treatment (artemisinin) could allow malaria to re-emerge anywhere. Currently medical researchers do not have any new drugs to replace artemisinin.
Artemisinin is not usually used on its own. The drug is commonly added to older medications to help combat mutations in the parasite. The World Health Organisation now recommends combination therapies.
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A very similar scenario occurred in the 1970’s with another malaria medication called chloroquine. It appears that medications only act short-term and should not be relied on solely. Without a medical breakthrough the previous rates of malaria 15 years ago can re-emerge impacting millions. Who’s at greatest risk?
The World Malaria Report 2011 reported an estimated 655 000 people died in 2010. The majority of these cases were pregnant women and very young children. Researchers state the primary reason is that the mothers cannot effectively pass natural levels of heightened immunity to their children through breast milk.
In sub-Saharan Africa the HIV and Aids epidemic is also impacting the strength of the mother’s and child’s immune system. A mother with HIV and Aids is not encouraged to breastfeed because of the heightened risk of transmission. Natural immunity and a strong immune system are compromised without this milk.
Mothers that have been treated with malaria drugs produce less natural antibodies because they relied on an artificial means of protection. This process may help the mother, but compromise the child. Malaria challenges the immune system to produce protective antibodies to pass on to the child.
Malaria affects millions of people worldwide. Approximately one child will die from the disease in Africa every minute. We must do what we can to build natural immunity and naturally prevent the condition from occurring.
Natural mosquito repellent recipe If you are making large amounts of mosquito repellent, a good rule of thumb is to mix the repellent so it’s 5-10% essential oil, so mix one part essential oil with 10-20 parts carrier oil or alcohol. For a smaller batch use: 10-25 drops (total of essential oils) Two tablespoons of a carrier oil or alcohol Essential oils that work against mosquitoes include: Cinnamon oil Citronella oil Castor oil Safe carrier oils and alcohols include: Olive oil Any other cooking oil Vodka
Additional tips Use mosquito nets over your bed while sleeping. Limit your outdoor activities during the dusk and dawn hours.
Strengthen your immune system through diet, exercise and stress management techniques. This is a reader-directed column. To request future topics email: [email protected]
