Malaria remains one of the most significant health problems in the world today. Pregnant women, their babies and young children are particularly at risk. Applying our comprehensive perspective, FHI 360 researchers study, among other important topics:
- Malaria in pregnancy
- Malaria co-infection with HIV and tuberculosis
- Socioeconomic and behavioral aspects of malaria prevention
- Best treatments for severe malaria in children
FHI 360 partnered with leading researchers to monitor a research study in Africa comparing the effectiveness of two drugs for treating the most severe form of malaria in children younger than age 15. The results suggest that, if used to treat the 4 million annual cases of malaria in this population, the drug artesunate could save about 100,000 lives each year.
Leveraging public–private partnerships, our programs have tested and distributed millions of insecticide-treated bed nets. We have also designed innovative communication programs to encourage consistent use of the nets and increased the capacity of local producers and distributors to ensure adequate net supplies in the future.
FHI 360 works to improve access to quality malaria prevention and treatment services and supports the development of more effective antimalarial drugs. To build a more productive workforce, we work with large local employers in high-incidence areas to improve prevention and early treatment. Taking a comprehensive approach, we integrate malaria prevention and treatment into our HIV/AIDS, family planning, tuberculosis and other infectious disease programs in Africa and Asia, the regions most affected by malaria.