One of them is artemisinin, a naturally-derived compound from the sweet wormwood plant, discovered by researchers in China in the 1970s. But artemisinin is failing to work in some areas where malaria has developed resistance. A recent study revealed that 47 percent of parasite samples from a region of Myanmar near the Indian border carried K13 mutations which is a proof to become resistant to drugs.”Our study shows that artemisinin resistance extends over more of southeast Asia than had previously been known, and is now present close to the border with India,” the researchers concluded.This is not a simple warning, but a very serious threat. “A vigorous international effort to contain this enormous threat is needed,” specialists say. Preventing infection is, for the instant, the only efficient action that really matters. Another way is a strong need to develop other potential treatments for malaria
