A Short History of Malaria Control

Résumé fourni par la source

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, has plagued humanity for millennia, and historical records from ancient civilizations describe malaria-like symptoms. Significant advancements against the disease began in the 17th century, with Jesuit missionaries from Peru introducing quinine as a treatment. European colonization spread malaria but also initiated control measures. Identification of the parasite and of its mosquito vectors was a key discovery, leading to targeted control strategies. The 20th century saw further progress with DDT and chloroquine. Based on these efficient tools, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Malaria Eradication Program in 1955. This Program was successful in eradicating malaria from temperate areas but faced challenges in tropical areas. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership was launched in 1998, emphasizing prevention and treatment, supported by recent advances such as LLINs, ACTs and RDTs. The most recent WHO 2016–2030 strategy aims at a 90% reduction in malaria by 2030. The history of malaria control is a testimonial to scientific innovation, international collaboration and persistent challenges. From ancient herbal remedies to modern genomic technologies, the fight against malaria continues to progress, driven by the ultimate goal of eradication.

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