The global problem
The world is not on track to achieve the goals proposed by WHO in the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 (GTS), and the currently available tools are unlikely to suffice. Vector control, our most effective strategy to reduce and prevent malaria transmission, is now challenged by widespread insecticide resistance and mosquitoes that avoid insecticides in bednets and sprayed indoors by biting outdoors or feeding upon animals.
The proposed solutions
BOHEMIA (Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa) aims to reduce malaria transmission by administering ivermectin to humans and livestock. Ivermectin is an endectocide, a drug with excellent safety profile that can kill ecto- and endoparasites, as well as mosquitoes that feed on treated humans or animals.
This five-year project funded by Unitaid will conduct a clinical trial in different ecological and epidemiological settings in east and southern Africa, specifically Mozambique and Kenya. Ivermectin will be distributed in mass drug administration campaigns to humans and livestock in order to reduce mosquito populations that transmit malaria.
This innovative One Health approach also offers an opportunity for preventing neglected tropical diseases in humans, which will have a positive impact on households. Delivery to livestock reduces the burden of intestinal helminths and ecto-parasites in domesticated herds, thereby increasing income and food security.
BOHEMIA’s goals
The main goal of BOHEMIA is to contribute to the global public health goals for malaria control by developing a complementary strategy for vector control.
BOHEMIA will specifically seek to:
Generate evidence on the impact of ivermectin MDA on malaria infection in humans, on mosquito populations, and on the environment, as well as on its safety and acceptability by communities.
Support policy and translation of ivermectin as a potential vector control strategy for malaria impact.
Engage generic drug manufacturers as key partners for malaria intervention.
Bohemia in numbers
Bohemia in numbers
for people
& animals
