Ivermectin Shows 26% Reduction in Malaria Transmission, Study Finds

In a significant breakthrough for global health, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has demonstrated that the mass administration of ivermectin can lead to a 26% decrease in malaria transmission when utilized alongside existing bed net interventions. Conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), in collaboration with the Manhica Health Research Centre (CISM) and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, this research represents the largest trial to date assessing the impact of ivermectin on malaria control.

The BOHEMIA trial, which stands for Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa, involved extensive trials in high-burden malaria regions of Kwale County, Kenya, and Mopeia district, Mozambique. The trials administered a single monthly dose of ivermectin (400 mcg/kg) over three consecutive months during the rainy season. In Kenya, the focus was on children aged 5-15, whereas in Mozambique, children under five were the target demographic. The results indicated a notable 26% reduction in malaria infections among Kenyan children who received ivermectin compared to those who were given albendazole, a control drug used in the study.

Carlos Chaccour, the co-principal investigator of the BOHEMIA project and a researcher at ISGlobal, expressed optimism regarding the findings: "We are thrilled with these results. Ivermectin has shown great promise in reducing malaria transmission and could complement existing control measures. With continued research, ivermectin mass drug administration could become an effective tool for malaria control and contribute to elimination efforts."

The urgency of this research is underscored by current global malaria statistics, which report approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths in 2023. Traditional vector control measures, such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), have lost efficacy due to increasing insecticide resistance among mosquito populations and changes in mosquito behavior that allow them to bite outdoors during times when people are unprotected. This underscores the critical need for innovative solutions to combat malaria effectively.

Ivermectin, a drug traditionally used for treating neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, operates by eliminating the mosquitoes that feed on treated individuals. The BOHEMIA project, which received funding from Unitaid, included over 20,000 participants and administered more than 56,000 treatments, confirming that ivermectin is not only effective but also exhibits a favorable safety profile with no severe drug-related adverse events reported.

Joseph Mwangangi from the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme highlighted the potential of ivermectin, stating, "These results align with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) criteria for new vector control tools. The findings suggest that ivermectin mass drug administration could be a valuable complementary strategy for malaria control, particularly in areas grappling with growing insecticide resistance."

Marta Maia, the lead entomologist for BOHEMIA from the University of Oxford, also weighed in, emphasizing the significance of the findings for global health policy. The study has been reviewed by the WHO vector control advisory group, which concluded that it demonstrated significant impact and recommended further investigations. The findings are expected to influence national health authorities as they consider the potential integration of ivermectin into malaria control programs.

As the fight against malaria continues, the promise of ivermectin offers a beacon of hope, particularly in regions severely affected by this disease. Continued research and support for the implementation of these findings could pave the way for a new chapter in malaria control efforts globally.