Ivermectin: Antiparasitic Drug and Its Role in Malaria Control
Why in the news
Interest is rising in mass use of endectocides such as ivermectin to control malaria vectors.
Key facts
- Malaria deaths worldwide in 2023: about 6 lakh, 95% in Africa.
- India: cases down by over 80%; transmission persists in parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and the Northeast.
About ivermectin
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Broad-spectrum antiparasitic |
| Treats | River blindness, lymphatic filariasis, scabies, strongyloidiasis |
| Action | Disrupts the parasite’s nervous system |
| Forms | Oral, topical, injectable |
Exam angle
- Drug type: antiparasitic; approach: endectocide use.