Testing for G6PD deficiency for safe use of primaquine in radical cure of P. vivax and P. ovale

Overview

For the treatment of P. vivax malaria, WHO recommends standard antimalarial medicines followed by a 14-day regimen of primaquine to prevent relapses of the disease. Though highly effective, primaquine has been associated with a key safety challenge: among patients who have a deficiency of the enzyme G6PD, the drug can trigger a severe blood disorder known as acute haemolytic anaemia.

This policy brief summarizes the WHO recommendations on G6PD testing to ensure the safe administration of primaquine for preventing relapse of P. vivax and P. ovale malaria.

The Global Malaria Programme has developed a presentation to support the dissemination, adoption and implementation of this policy guidance by national malaria control programmes.