Artemisinin resistance is rising in East Africa-leaving anti-malarials at risk of failure
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases reveals that malaria parasites in East Africa are increasingly developing resistance to artemisinin, the primary drug used in standard treatments. Researchers warn that this trend threatens the effectiveness of global malaria control efforts.
Why it matters
Rising drug resistance in malaria parasites poses a significant public health risk, potentially rendering current first-line treatments ineffective across the continent.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Prevalence of k13 ART-R mutations across east Africa from 2012 to 2023. Credit: The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2026). DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(26)00237-9 Resistance to the main drug in front-line malaria treatments is becoming more widespread across East Africa, according to new research by Imperial College London. The study , published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases , maps the rise in artemisinin resistance in the region and suggests one of the safeguards built into these treatments is being eroded. The researchers warn that their findings raise the risk that the effectiveness of current treatments could decline over time if resistance continues to spread.
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