For more than 50 years, low-cost antimalarial drugs silently saved millions of lives and cured billions of debilitating infections. Today, however, these drugs no longer work against the deadliest form of malaria that exists throughout the world. Malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africaâ€"currently just over one million per yearâ€"are rising because of increased resistance to the old, inexpensive drugs. Although effective new drugs called "artemisinins" are available, they are unaffordable for the majority of the affected population, even at a cost of one dollar per course. Saving Lives, Buying Time: Economics of Malaria Drugs in an Age of Resistance examines the history of malaria treatments, provides an overview of the current drug crisis, and offers recommendations on maximizing access to and effectiveness of antimalarial drugs. The book finds that most people in endemic countries will not have access to currently effective combination treatments, which should include an artemisinin, without financing from the global community. Without funding for effective treatment, malaria mortality could double over the next 10 to 20 years and transmission will intensify.

Malaria is making a dramatic comeback in the world. The disease is the foremost health challenge in Africa south of the Sahara, and people traveling to malarious areas are at increased risk of malaria-related sickness and death. This book examines the prospects for bringing malaria under control, with specific recommendations for U.S. policy, directions for research and program funding, and appropriate roles for federal and international agencies and the medical and public health communities. The volume reports on the current status of malaria research, prevention, and control efforts worldwide. The authors present study results and commentary on the: Nature, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and epidemiology of malaria. Biology of the malaria parasite and its vector. Prospects for developing malaria vaccines and improved treatments. Economic, social, and behavioral factors in malaria control.

Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the malaria parasite has accumulated over the years with the advent of genomic knowledge playing a crucial role. Although great strides have been made in the field of malaria research, malaria still remains one of the most important public health issues in the world. Years ago, malaria was eradicated in some countries but global warming is playing a part in the spectacular re-emergence of malaria in some of these countries. There is still no effective vaccine, although some research has provided interesting data and anti-malaria drug resistance is the time bomb that has the potential of detonating the field of malaria research. Funder fatigue is now derailing the progress made over the years, which makes the field of malaria research look a bit gloomy. This book reviews the most important findings associated with malaria research over the couple of years with a timely overview. The topics covered include historical perspectives of the field of Malariology, life cycle of the parasite, recent advances in the epidemiology of malaria, pathogenesis with sub topics such as the parasite and immune system, virulence factors and clinical manifestations analysed in detail. The updated anti-malarial drug treatment, development and resistance are also discussed in detail. Finally, the social and economic burdens of malaria are looked at and various potential control strategies are put forward. This book will be essential to everyone interested in infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.