When a Deadly Disease Ironically becomes Desirable: Insights from 2023 Antimalarial Therapeutic Efficacy Studies in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v24i3.879Keywords:
Malaria, Nigeria, Therapeutic Efficacy StudyAbstract
Malaria continues to cause avoidable suffering and claims hundreds of lives annually, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease responds to antimalarials, but regular monitoring of the efficacy of the drugs and surveillance for parasite resistance are critical to having positive outcomes in case management. Nigeria, the country with the highest burden of the disease globally, conducted another antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) in 2023 in four different zones in the country. Seeing the unusually pleasant way their children (study participants) were treated, caregivers’ perception of malaria as a deadly disease changed to that of a “desirable” malady. The clinical trial, done in a near-perfect environment, demonstrated that the disease is not indomitable after all. In this paper, we describe our experience at the trial and posit that, with a health system thinking approach and inclusive malaria interventions, Nigeria can overcome malaria and end mortality attributed to it soon
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Copyright (c) 2024 Oyeyemi A, Ntadom G, Olafisoye K, Orimadegun A, Ezeudu C, Tsuung A, Ambe J, Odey F, David A, Ogbulafor N, Ijezie S, Ozor L, Babatunde S, Falade C
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