There are an estimated 200 million cases of malaria worldwide each year, and around 600,000 deaths. But the last 15 years represent a success story in the fight against the disease: Increased investment in treatment and prevention have cut the death rate nearly in half. Now, researchers warn that resistance to the primary drug used to treat malaria is spreading. A new study has detected a resistant strain in Myanmar near the Indian border, raising concerns that resistance could soon extend its hold to sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 90 percent of malaria deaths occur.
Diane Rehm speaks to Dr. Alan Magill, Laurie Garrett, Dr. William Moss, and Dr. Lawrence Barat on these issues, as well as discussing ACT resistance, drug quality, and the new PMI strategy launch.