A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine revealed that ivermectin, which is used to treat onchocerciasis (also known as river blindness) can also interrupt the transmission of malaria.

From an article on the study:

“The study by scientists from Senegal and Colorado State University found that transmission of malaria parasites by mosquitoes fell substantially among people living in several Senegalese villages over two weeks after they took the drug ivermectin, which was administered as part of a campaign to fight the parasitic roundworm that causes onchocerciasis, or river blindness. The drug appeared to kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes that fed on the blood of the villagers.”

Dr. Peter Hotez, President of the Sabin Vaccine Institute was also quoted in the article saying, “This study offers good news on several fronts, not the least of which is the potential to disrupt the transmission of malaria and save needless suffering and death. We need more creative science like this that has simple yet powerful results in our battle against neglected diseases of poverty. In terms of river blindness, this drug has transformed lives, said Hotez. “To add malaria to its already impressive return on investment would be an incredible development.”

Treating both NTDs and malaria simultaneously is cost-effective and will save many more lives in the long run. To find out how you can help the distribution of ivermectin and other drugs to treat NTDs for just 50 cents, please visit our Get Involved page.

Science magazine also had a write up on the study mentioning the work of the Global Network. The article quotes Dr. Hotez saying, “We’re only beginning to understand the enormous potential impact of MDAs on diseases for which they weren’t intended.”