Ivermectin to control malaria - a cluster-randomised trial

Summary:
Ivermectin is an endectocide effective against endo- and ectoparasites and is widely used in mass drug administration (MDA) for neglected tropical diseases. It also kills malaria vectors that feed on treated individuals, making MDA with ivermectin a potential tool to reduce mosquito-driven malaria transmission. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Kwale, Kenya (84 clusters; high bed net coverage >80%). Clusters were randomized 1:1 to receive ivermectin (400 μg/kg) or albendazole (400 mg, active control) once a month for three months during the “short rains.” Children aged 5–15 years were tested monthly for malaria infection for six months. Primary outcomes were malaria incidence and adverse events, analyzed using generalized estimating equations under the intention-to-treat principle. A total of 28,932 participants were enrolled. Ivermectin MDA reduced malaria incidence among children by 26% compared to control, with no safety concerns observed. We conclude that ivermectin MDA can reduce residual malaria transmission

Biography
Professor Marta Maia is an Associate Professor of the Nuffield Department of Medicine. She has a background in one health and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. Prof Maia has over 15 years of experience working on the development and testing of malaria vector control interventions in East Africa, having worked on spatial repellents, topical repellents, attractive-targeted sugar baits, and endectocides. Most recently, she was the Principal investigator of the BOHEMIA trial in Kenya which aimed to evaluate mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin for reduction of malaria transmission. She is currently based in Kenya at the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme where she leads the Vector Unit.

Members of the university only.

Organiser: Professor Angela Brueggemann (Oxford Population Health)
Organiser contact email address: alison.lewis@ndph.ox.ac.uk