Ivermectin Shows 26% Malaria Reduction: A New Hope in the Fight
Summary: The BOHEMIA trial, a study, demonstrated that mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin decreased malaria infections by 26% in children in Kenya. This repurposed antiparasitic medication, when combined with mosquito nets, presents a valuable additional approach for malaria control, particularly in regions where insecticide resistance poses challenges to traditional methods.
Can a Pill Stop Mosquitoes?
Malaria is still a significant global health threat, with over 263 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths reported in 2023. Although measures such as bed nets and indoor sprays have been effective in saving lives, mosquitoes are evolving. They are now biting outdoors or during twilight hours and developing resistance to insecticides. It’s time to explore new strategies, and ivermectin could potentially be the answer.
Ivermectin: From Parasites to Mosquito Control
Originally used to treat river blindness and scabies, ivermectin has now emerged as a tool for controlling disease-carrying insects. It doesn’t directly target mosquitoes. Instead, when mosquitoes bite people who have recently been treated with ivermectin, the mosquitoes die. This method effectively turns humans into agents that kill mosquitoes, helping to disrupt the cycle of malaria transmission.
Inside the BOHEMIA Trial
The BOHEMIA project (Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa), funded by Unitaid, is the largest ivermectin trial for malaria control to date. It tested monthly doses of ivermectin (400 mcg/kg) over three months at the start of the rainy season. Trials were held in two high-burden regions:
- Kwale County, Kenya: Children aged 5–15
- Mopeia District, Mozambique: Children under five
Results from Kenya: 26% Drop in Malaria
In Kenya’s Kwale County, ivermectin MDA was associated with a 26% relative reduction in new episodes of malaria compared with children who received albendazole (control drug). It included more than 20,000 participants and 56,000 treatments. The impact was greater in regions where drug coverage was higher and children lived farther from the boundaries of trial zones.
Importantly, no severe side effects were reported. Mild symptoms matched those seen in past mass ivermectin campaigns.
Expert Reactions
“Ivermectin shows great promise in reducing malaria transmission and could complement existing tools,” said Carlos Chaccour, former ISGlobal researcher and co-lead of the BOHEMIA project.
“This matches WHO’s criteria for new vector control methods,” added Dr. Joseph Mwangangi from KEMRI-Wellcome Trust.
“It’s a valuable complementary strategy for areas with growing insecticide resistance,” noted Dr. Marta Maia, entomologist from Oxford University.
Mozambique Trial Faced Challenges
Local challenges to implementation in Mozambique stemming from Cyclone Gombe (2022) and a cholera outbreak. But researchers drew a central lesson: trust in the community and local cooperation are imperative for a successful rollout.
“Engaging communities and working closely with the Ministry of Health helped build acceptance,” shared Francisco Saúte, director of the Manhiça Health Research Centre.
Beyond Malaria: Additional Health Benefits
Ivermectin MDA didn’t just drive down malaria. It also lowered:
- Scabies
- Head lice
- Infestations of bed bugs (as reported in Kenya)
This highlights the far-reaching public health implications of ivermectin, particularly when integrated into existing programs.
What’s Next?
The results have been evaluated by the WHO Vector Control Advisory Group, which recognised the efficacy of ivermectin and the urgent need for additional studies. Some national health authorities are already reviewing the drug for inclusion in malaria programs.
Final Takeaway
Ivermectin has been repurposed from a drug used for neglected tropical diseases to a game-changing tool in the fight against malaria. The 26 percent reduction in malaria infections found with the BOHEMIA trial suggests how this pill might be another weapon to add to bed nets and sprays, especially in areas that are dealing with insecticide resistance. With further evidence and accommodations in public health systems, MDA of ivermectin could prove to be one of the cornerstones of global efforts to eliminate malaria.
Dane
I am an MBBS graduate and a dedicated medical writer with a strong passion for deep research and psychology. I enjoy breaking down complex medical topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content, aiming to educate and inspire readers by exploring the fascinating connection between health, science, and the human mind.
