Response plan to pfhrp2 gene deletions (WHO)

Response plan to pfhrp2 gene deletions

[NOTE: this document is being revised and will be updated by early 2024]

Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) detect specific antigens produced by malaria parasites are present in the blood of individuals infected by the disease. The tests that are most sensitive in diagnosing falciparum malaria contain antibodies to detect the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and/or the related HRP3 protein. In some countries, increasing levels of deletions in the genes that encode these proteins (hrp2/3) threaten the ability of health providers to diagnose and appropriately treat people infected with P. falciparum malaria.

This response plan to mutations that limit the effectiveness of HRP2-based RDTs comprises a framework intended to support national malaria control programmes and their implementing partners to address this problem pragmatically.