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The world of Artemisia in 44 questions


Document type: report
Download file(s): 110263 (517 KB)
Abstract: This paper aims to inform stakeholders of the most pressing questions surrounding Artemisia and the production of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). In addition to outlining their potential in treating malaria, this paper identifies numerous obstacles and opportunities that need to be addressed in order for the production and distribution of ACT in sufficient quantity to become a reality in the near future. One of these obstacles is the slow and cumbersome implementation of the WHO’s drug pre-qualification policy, which has resulted in a monopoly-like situation of only one pre-qualified ACT by just one pharmaceutical company. As a result, the retail price is far too high for the drug to be accessible to the poor. In addition, growing Artemisia plants is risky and will not be profitable for long because of the synthetic production that is expected to begin in the near future. Small-scale farmers in tropical Africa are the ones being exposed to these risks by poorly informed policy makers and organisations that promote the plant’s production. It is hoped that an increase in stakeholder knowledge about Artemisia and ACT will result in more effective interventions.
Authors: Heemskerk, W. , Schallig, H. , Steenhuijsen Piters, B. de
Category: Policy
Keywords: development policy , plant production , disease prevention and control
Language: eng
Organization: KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE: iv, 85
Place: Amsterdam
Publisher: Royal Tropical Institute
Year: 2006
Region: Africa , Africa South of Sahara
Right: © 2006 Royal Tropical Institute. All rights reserved. The document may be freely reviewed, abstracted, reproduced and translated, in part or in whole, as long as the original authors are given full credit. This report may not be sold or used for commercial purposes.
Subject: Agriculture and Rural Development
Title: The world of Artemisia in 44 questions