Saeed A. Al-Harthi
Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Malaria in Saudi Arabia, the current situation
Biography
Biography: Saeed A. Al-Harthi
Abstract
About 8% of Saudi population lives in areas of malaria transmission where Plasmodium falciparum accounts for almost all indigenous cases. Several Anopheles species have been identified as potential malaria vectors. Currently, over 98% of reported cases are imported from neighbouring Yemen and Asian/African endemic countries by emigrants and pilgrims. In recent history, the worst malaria outbreak happened in 1998 with more than 35000 locally transmitted cases. In year 2010, 1941 malaria cases were registered, among which only 29 were local infections. Malaria control programme started in 1940s. Eastern and central areas were declared malaria free by 1970s, but south-western provinces are still endemic. KSA is on track of meeting the Roll Back Malaria and World Health Assembly target of 75% reduction in malaria cases by 2015. Vector control relied on DDT followed by Dieldrin insecticides mass spraying. Pyrethroid Reslin and Fenitrothion were employed in persistent foci by mid 1980s. Larval control measures were introduced in 1960s as mosquito DDT-resistance increased. Although, demands for more environmentally friendly control measures are growing, little is known on current vector insecticide-resistance situation to permit targeted strategies. Free diagnosis and treatment are provided to patients. Malaria treatment follows worldwide tendencies to overcome parasites drug-resistance spread. Reports of Chloroquine resistance started appearing in 1990s. More recently, parasites resistance to pyrimethamine /sulfadoxine was reported. Since 2007, combinations of pyrimethamine/sulfadoxine/ artesunate were adopted as first line and lumefantrine/artemether as second line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum-malaria. For severe falciparum-malaria quinine and artesunate are used. Chloroquine and primaquine combination is used for vivax-malaria treatment.