What is the recommended management for uncomplicated falciparum malaria?

The recommended management for uncomplicated falciparum malaria is artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) for at least 3 days. This approach is based on the effectiveness of artemisinin derivatives in rapidly reducing the number of malaria parasites in the blood, paired with a partner drug that has a longer half-life to help prevent the development of drug resistance. The combination of these drugs enhances treatment efficacy and minimizes the risk of relapse or treatment failure.

Unlike options such as a single dose of chloroquine, which is ineffective against Plasmodium falciparum due to widespread resistance, or intravenous quinine, which is typically reserved for severe malaria cases, ACT represents the current standard of care for treating uncomplicated cases. Oral proguanil is not the first-line treatment and is more often used for prophylaxis against malaria rather than for treating active infections. Thus, ACT not only aligns with the guidelines set by health organizations but also addresses both immediate treatment needs and long-term control of malaria.