Health Check A promising new antimalarial
May 21, 2025
James Gallagher, a BBC health and science correspondent, discusses a revolutionary anti-malarial compound designed to combat the parasites causing most malaria cases. He dives into the challenges of insecticide resistance and innovative solutions combining drug treatments with bed nets. The conversation shifts to President Trump's new executive order on drug pricing, exploring its potential global impact. Additionally, Gallagher highlights the alarming rise of scorpion stings in Brazil linked to urbanization and climate change, presenting a growing public health concern.
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New Target: Parasite Inside Mosquito
- Malaria control is stalling due to mosquito resistance to insecticides.
- Targeting the parasite inside the mosquito offers a novel method to prevent transmission.
Drug Bed Nets Kill Parasites
- New compounds kill malaria parasites inside mosquitoes via bed nets.
- Mosquitoes absorb drugs through their legs, stopping parasite transmission to humans.
Resistance Slower in Mosquitoes
- Parasite resistance may develop slower inside mosquitoes due to far fewer parasites.
- Multiple malaria interventions increase chances of overcoming resistance.