Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in four sentinel sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2025

Résumé

<p>Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo bears one of the heaviest malaria burdens worldwide. Monitoring antimalarial drug efficacy is critical for treatment policy. Methods: A therapeutic efficacy study was conducted in four sentinel sites following the WHO 28-day protocol among children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Results: PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response was 97.2% (95% CI 94.8-98.6). Kelch13 mutations were detected in two sites. Conclusion: Artemether-lumefantrine remains highly efficacious in the DRC, but molecular surveillance must be intensified.</p>