African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (13), pp. 1598-1605, Special Review 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Review

Plasmodium falciparum malaria and antimalarial interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Ehijie FO Enato¹ and Augustine O Okhamafe^2*

¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, and ²Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City 300001, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: okhamafe@uniben.edu, okhamafe@uniben.edu.ng, Tel: +234-8022905981, Fax: +234-52-602370.

Accepted 20 October, 2005

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is one of the most important parasitic diseases affecting sub-Saharan Africa, despite the availability of interventions. It exerts tremendous socio-economic and medical burden on the continent, particularly in under five children and pregnant women. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the problems, constraints and the opportunities that are available for effective prevention and control within the region.

Key words: Burden, challenges, interventions, Plasmodium falciparum malaria.