WHO Advances Malaria Treatment Safety

On December 18, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) took a major step in combating malaria by approving the first diagnostic test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This test will make it safer to provide treatments that prevent relapses of Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria, a recurring form of the disease that continues to affect millions of people worldwide.

A Lifesaving Advancement for Malaria Patients

Malaria remains one of the world’s deadliest diseases, claiming approximately 500,000 lives each year, with children being the most affected. In 2023 alone, there were an estimated 9.2 million cases of P. vivax malaria, particularly in regions outside sub-Saharan Africa.

For individuals with G6PD deficiency, a genetic condition affecting over 500 million people, certain malaria treatments can trigger acute haemolysis—a dangerous breakdown of red blood cells. This has made it difficult to provide widely effective anti-relapse therapies. The new G6PD test provides critical information, allowing healthcare providers to identify patients at risk and tailor their treatments safely.

Building on Recent Progress

The test's approval follows the WHO’s earlier prequalification of two new tafenoquine-based anti-relapse therapies in December. These treatments, highlighted in updated malaria guidelines released in November, offer a powerful way to prevent P. vivax relapses.

By coordinating the approval of both diagnostics and therapies, WHO is speeding up the availability of essential health tools in lower-income countries, helping to ensure that lifesaving solutions reach those who need them most.

A Commitment to Safer, More Effective Care

“This G6PD enzyme test is a critical tool in improving access to safe, quality-assured malaria treatments,” said Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Access to Medicines and Health Products. “It’s a step forward in reducing the risks of treatment while improving outcomes for patients with P. vivax malaria.”

Dr. Daniel Ngamije Madandi, Director of WHO’s Global Malaria Programme, added: “By making this test widely available, we can reduce the number of malaria relapses, limit transmission, and ultimately strengthen global efforts to fight the disease.”

About the Test

The STANDARD G6PD System, developed by SD Biosensor, Inc., is a handheld diagnostic tool designed to measure G6PD enzyme activity in blood samples. It delivers results in minutes and can be used in both clinical settings and remote locations. With this data, clinicians can determine the most appropriate anti-relapse treatment, such as low- or high-dose primaquine or single-dose tafenoquine, ensuring patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

A Call for Further Innovation

WHO is encouraging other manufacturers to submit diagnostic tools for prequalification, aiming to expand the availability of life-saving products worldwide.

This milestone signals a brighter future for malaria control. By integrating reliable diagnostics with advanced treatments, WHO is paving the way for more effective, equitable care and a significant reduction in the burden of P. vivax malaria.