INTRODUCTION
During the last decade there has been a resurgence in malaria infections throughout Africa due to drug resistance in the Plasmodium
parasite and poor compliance with both non-drug preventative measures and chemoprophylaxis. In South Africa this resurgence has been aggravated by the ever increasing number of imported cases.
In the past, malaria parasites in South Africa were regarded as sensitive to chloroquine. Since 1988, invitro1,2 and in vivo3,4 studies
showed an appearance and increase in resistance to chloroquine as well as the spreading of its distribution in the eastern parts of the country. These have necessitated continuing
changes in chemoprophylaxis5 and treatment policies for South Africa. This policy has been compiled utilising available information, but adaptation may
sometimes be necessary to suit local circumstances. Information on the incidence, distribution and degree of drug resistance in South Africa is incomplete and there is an ongoing need
for monitoring therapeutic response and reporting the observations to the Department of Health for future policy revision. OBJECTIVES
The objectives for the treatment of malaria are:
* the prevention of mortality * the prevention of complications * the rapid resolution of the illness
* the elimination of parasitaemia to minimise transmission * to limit the development of drug resistance The guidelines are endorsed by the Medical Association of South Africa.
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