Treating Plasmodium vivax malaria in Brazil

As of June 6, 2023, Brazil marked a significant milestone by becoming the first malaria-endemic country to incorporate single-dose tafenoquine and the STANDARD (TM) G6PD test for P. vivax malaria. Following the decision by the Unified Health System's National Commission of New Health Technologies Incorporation (CONITEC) to adopt this innovative treatment, Brazil's Ministry of Health is now leading technical discussions to plan and prepare the health system for nationwide implementation.

Dr Marcus Lacerda, the Principal Investigator of the Tafenoquine Roll-oUt STudy (TRuST) study, which generated crucial evidence to inform CONITEC’s decision, highlighted the significance of these new tools for Brazil, particularly their impact on the most at-risk populations.