'Don’t use Chloroquine, Artesunate for Malaria treatment' – WHO

                                        

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The World Health Organisation placed a global ban on the use of chloroquine and Artesunate in 2005 but Nigerians still use the tablets!

WHO has issued another waning now to Nigerians, advising against the use of Chloroquine and Artesunate for the treatment of malaria.

Nnenna Ezeigwe, National Coordinator, National Malaria Control Programme, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
She, however, recommended that people should take only Artemisinin Combination Therapy, ACTs, when they test positive for malaria.

“If your test result is positive, take only Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACTs). Do not treat malaria with chloroquine, artesunate or other monotherapies.

“The ACT with green leaf is good quality and affordable; Ask for it,’’ she said.

When contacted, Adeline Osakwe, Deputy Director, Pharmacovigilance, Food and Drugs Information Centre, NAFDAC, said the use of chloroquine and artesunate in Nigeria was being gradually phased out.

“Since 2005, the use of monotherapies such as Artesunate, Chloroquine had been discouraged in favour of Aretmisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) for uncomplicated malaria.

“These ACTs include Arthemeter/Lumenfantrine, Artesunate/Amodiaquine, and other registered ones. Ms. Osakwe said that the monotherapies are gradually being phased out by not registering new ones and not renewing those that their licenses had expired.” 

Speaking on the World Malaria Day celebration, Ms. Ezeigwe advised pregnant women to register early for ante-natal care in order to receive preventive treatment against the disease.

“Keep your environment clean and free of puddles, and always sleep inside long lasting insecticide treated nets.  Wear protective clothing against mosquitoes when necessary, and always get tested before you treat for Malaria,’’ she said.