Led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and supported by the “la Caixa” Foundation, in collaboration with the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, the trial focused on evaluating ivermectin's effectiveness when given as a mass drug administration (MDA). Traditionally used to treat parasitic diseases like onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, ivermectin is now being studied for its ability to kill mosquitoes feeding on treated individuals, thereby disrupting malaria transmission.
The trial that included over 20,000 participants, was conducted in two malaria-endemic regions Kwale County, Kenya, and Mopeia District, Mozambique. Participants received a single monthly dose of ivermectin (400 mcg/kg) for three months during the rainy season. In Kenya, the study involved children aged 5-15, while in Mozambique, it focused on children under five. In Kenya, children receiving ivermectin saw a 26% lower incidence of malaria compared to those given a control drug, albendazole.
“We are thrilled with these results,” said Carlos Chaccour, co-principal investigator of the BOHEMIA project. “Ivermectin has shown great promise in reducing malaria transmission and could complement existing control measures.” The drug was well tolerated, with no severe adverse effects reported.
Mozambique’s trial faced setbacks due to Cyclone Gombe and a cholera outbreak, highlighting the importance of community engagement and logistical planning. However, researchers noted additional public health benefits, including reduced skin infestations and bed bugs in ivermectin-treated communities.
These results are under review by the World Health Organization and national authorities, signaling potential for ivermectin to become part of future malaria control programs.
Reference: Carlos Chaccour, Marta Maia, Mercy Kariuki, Paula Ruiz-Castillo, Caroline Wanjiku, Lydia Kasiwa, Aurelia Brazeal, Aina Casellas, Mwanajuma Ngama, Truphena Onyango, Eldo Elobolobo, Karisa Kazungu, Mary Mael, Winnie Wangari, Khadija Nuru, Rachel Otuko, Almudena Sanz, Isaac Ringera, Allan Matano, Starford Mitora, Marta Ribes, Joe Brew, Nika Gorski, Patricia Nicolas, Sara Stanulovic, Isaiah Omondi, Joanna Furnival-Adams, Laura Túnez, Jamal Mbarak, Vegovito Vegove, Esther Yaa, Shadrack Mramba, Yegon Kibet, Naomi Nyambura, Charles Rotich, Scholastica Wanjiru, Musa Vura, Faith Wanjiku, Leslie Sam, Lisa Collins, Kang Xia, Felix Hammann, Francisco Saúte, Matthew Rudd, Cassidy Rist, Caroline Jones, Joseph Mwangangi, N. Regina Rabinovich. Ivermectin to Control Malaria — A Cluster-Randomized Trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2025; 393 (4): 362 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2411262
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