Image of malaria test kit. Photo/courtesy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved an innovative testing tool designed to help reduce recurring cases of one of the world’s most stubborn forms of malaria.
The diagnostic tool detects glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a genetic condition impacting over 500 million people globally. This enzyme deficiency poses a risk for some malaria treatments, as these medications can damage red blood cells in affected individuals.
“This prequalification can enhance the global fight against malaria by reducing P. Vivax reinfections and curbing transmission,” stated Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme.
The potential impact is substantial, with Plasmodium vivax (P. Vivax) malaria affecting around 9.2 million people in 2023. The parasite is found in every WHO region except Europe, highlighting its global health significance.
According to WHO, G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects over 500 million people worldwide
The new tool will assess patients’ G6PD activity levels, identifying those above or below normal. This information will guide clinicians in selecting the most suitable anti-relapse treatment regimen for P. Vivax malaria. Developed by SD Biosensor, Inc., the testing device is designed for both laboratory and field use. Its hand-held analyser delivers results in minutes, making it especially useful in resource-limited settings.
Regions such as parts of Nyanza, Western and Central, particularly at elevations between 1,300 and 1,700 meters, experience seasonal malaria transmission. Climate change, which is disrupting traditional weather patterns, is driving an increase in cases in these areas.
Historically, Nairobi and the central highlands have had low malaria risk due to their higher altitudes and cooler climates. However, this pattern is gradually shifting as climate change continues to take effect.
Malaria control and treatment in the country remain challenging due to increasing concerns about the emergence of resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).
