Last Updated: 16/10/2025
Scaling the Optimal Use of Multiple ACTs to Prevent Antimalarial Drug Resistance (STOP-AMDR)
Objectives
The STOP-AMDR project will:
- Support the implementation of multiple first-line therapies by working with countries to integrate recently introduced ACTs into national malaria programs.
- Increase access to new treatments through strategic procurement and market-shaping approaches to make WHO-recommended ACTs more affordable.
- Strengthen supply chains and service delivery to ensure timely, reliable access to multiple ACT options at health facilities.
- Generate evidence and share learnings on the feasibility, impact, and cost-effectiveness of multiple first-line therapies to guide future scale-up.
- Engage communities to build understanding the benefits of these strategies and promote equitable access to improved malaria treatments.
Malaria remains a major health threat in Africa, where over 90% of deaths by malaria occur. Partial resistance to artemisinin has been detected in several countries in Africa, raising concerns about the future effectiveness of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) – the most effective treatment for malaria. Recent studies suggest that deploying multiple first-line therapies for uncomplicated malaria can slow the spread of resistance. Since 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended multiple first-line therapies as a strategy to reduce antimalarial drug resistance in Africa. While several countries have updated their policies to include multiple ACTs, the newest WHO-recommended treatments remain largely unavailable.
Unitaid’s investment will support the implementation of STOP-AMDR project led by Jhpiego that aims to protect the efficacy of existing ACTs and reduce malaria-related deaths in Africa. By supporting the introduction of several first-line treatments and reducing the overreliance on a single ACT, STOP-AMDR will help slow the development of antimalarial drug resistance in Africa and improve access to new, effective treatments.
Jun 2025 — Dec 2029
$26.5M
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