On Tuesday, a regional meeting was held in Lagos, bringing together researchers from Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, and Senegal as part of the Emerging Genomics Selection and Antimalarial Tolerance project.
They shared their findings on combating antimalarial drug resistance in West Africa, a region heavily impacted by malaria.
This collaborative initiative, backed by the European Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, seeks to address the growing issue of malaria parasites developing drug resistance.
In an interview with NAIJATRAFFIC following the meeting, Professor Alfred Ngwa, the lead principal investigator of the EGSAT project, voiced concerns regarding antimalarial drug resistance, noting that certain malaria parasites have shown resistance to common treatments.
Ngwa, affiliated with the Medical Research Council Unit in Gambia, elaborated that this resistance has resulted in patients needing multiple treatment courses to clear the infection.
He underscored that the issue of drug resistance to antimalarials is intensifying across Africa and stated that the purpose of the EGSAT project is to identify the prevalence and distribution of resistant parasites in the West African region, as well as evaluate their effects on public health.
Ngwa further noted that the project aims to monitor these issues by assessing the effectiveness of existing treatments and investigating alternative therapeutic possibilities.
He also mentioned that the initiative incorporates surveillance measures to trace the movement of resistant parasites across national borders.
However, he expressed concern that, despite the introduction of new drug combinations, some areas in Africa are reporting resistance to these modern medications as well.
Ngwa emphasized the necessity of regional cooperation in combating malaria.
He reiterated that the project encompasses four countries, with researchers collaborating to comprehend and limit the spread of resistant parasites.
This cross-border strategy, he mentioned, is vital for formulating effective methods to manage malaria on a broader scale.
The researcher pointed out that high rates of malaria transmission and the rise of drug-resistant parasites pose significant challenges to achieving eradication goals by 2030.
He stressed the need for ongoing efforts, increased financial resources, and collaboration between countries to advance malaria control initiatives.
Dr. Ajibayi Olusola, a molecular biologist with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, explained that the EGSAT project in Nigeria focuses on assessing the effectiveness of antimalarial medications, particularly in regions with elevated malaria prevalence.
He indicated that specific areas in Nigeria, including Lagos in the southwest and Ilorin in the north-central region, have been chosen for detailed study.
Olusola explained that the aim is to evaluate the efficacy of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy, particularly the combinations involving Artemisinin and its partner drugs, against local malaria parasite populations.
He disclosed that the research has yielded significant insights into the diversity and complexity of malaria parasites in Nigeria.
He noted that in-vivo and in-vitro studies conducted during the project have demonstrated that Nigeria’s malaria parasite populations possess distinct characteristics compared to those in other participating nations.
This information is crucial for understanding how these parasites react to current therapies and for detecting potential drug resistance patterns.
However, Olusola highlighted self-medication and indiscriminate antimalarial use as key factors contributing to the development of drug resistance in Nigeria.
He remarked that many individuals across Nigeria and other African nations acquire antimalarial drugs without proper diagnostic assessments.
“This practice promotes drug resistance, as infections that are inadequately treated or left untreated can give rise to resistant parasite strains,” he explained.
While recognizing that the EGSAT project seeks to tackle these issues by advocating for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, Olusola emphasized the necessity of conducting tests prior to administering antimalarial drugs to ensure patients receive the correct medications.
He emphasized that this approach is crucial to prevent drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
The results of the EGSAT project will inform future malaria control strategies, enabling researchers to develop more effective treatments and interventions by identifying and addressing drug resistance.
“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.
Dr. Oluwagbenga Aina, Deputy Director of the Biochemistry Department at NIMR, expressed skepticism about meeting the 2030 target for malaria eradication, given Nigeria’s current status as a control level rather than pre-elimination.
Despite significant efforts since 2005, he observed a worrying increase in malaria burden.
However, he emphasized the importance of the EGSAT project, a multi-country initiative that leverages research and collaboration to address the growing challenge of drug resistance.
Through comprehensive studies and cross-border cooperation, the project seeks to develop effective strategies for controlling malaria, ultimately moving closer to achieving the goal of eradication.
