01 Antimalarial drug resistance in the Eastern.pmd

This review was done to fulfil the following objectives: • to present a brief overview on the current global concepts concerning antimalarial drug resistance; • to review historical data about the emergence of drug resistance in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region; • to present the available information on the current prevalence of drug-resistant falciparum malaria in the Region; • to set recommendations for measures to prevent the emergence and spread of antimalarial drug resistance in the Region. This review was based on sources of the following types: • published in vivo and in vitro studies carried out on antimalarial drug resistance in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region identified through digital databases (Medline® and CAB Health®); • non-digital publications identified by cross-referencing of the above publications; • unpublished reports by ministries of health; • regional and international conference proceedings; • reports of WHO consultants; • postgraduate theses; • personal contacts. Studies done in 1997–2003 according to recent WHO protocols were selected to describe the current status of drug resistance in the Region.