Doctors in Gabon are testing a new single-dose malaria treatment that could help combat growing resistance to existing drugs.
Led by Dr. Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma at the Medical Research Centre of Lambaréné, the team combined four widely used anti-malarial compounds, sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine, artesunate, and pyronaridine into a one-time treatment.
The regimen cleared malaria parasites in 93% of patients, matching the effectiveness of the standard three-day course.
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“As malaria mortality rises, we need solutions now,” said Mombo-Ngoma. “So we thought, why not make the most of existing anti-malarial drugs?”
For many Gabonese, malaria remains a recurring challenge. Libreville resident Julicia Nfono said, “Even though we use mosquito nets and protect ourselves from dirty water, as long as there are mosquitoes, it always comes back.”
Gabon’s National Malaria Control Program reported more than 154,000 malaria cases in 2024, with children under five most affected. Programme official Hugues Ronel Essanga Ngomo described malaria as “a major public health problem.”
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The single-dose treatment could improve patient compliance, reduce drug resistance, and make malaria care more accessible in heavily affected communities across Africa.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
