The spread of artemisinin resistance in Africa (SPARTAN)

Elimination of malaria is only possible with successful mosquito control and efficacious treatment. Recently, African parasites have emerged that are resistant to artemisinins, the most important malaria drug. The fate of artemisinin resistant parasites depends on their fitness and ability to infect mosquitoes. These aspects are currently unknown but crucially important in determining the future of malaria prevention and treatment in Africa. The SPARTAN project will examine the fitness of artemisinin-resistant parasites in Uganda in relation to host immunity, drug pressure and the presence of competing parasite variants. The project will further examine the transmissibility of artemisinin resistant infections to mosquitoes before and after malaria treatment and examine the impact of specific mutations that cause resistance. The SPARTAN project will support policy makers in deciding on drug policy change and on the deployment of interventions that can stop the spread of resistant malaria.  

Project detailsAdditional information

Drug Resistance
Genetics and Genomics

May 2023 — May 2028

$1.65M

Uganda

Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS)