Assessment of the risk posed to Singapore by the emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the public health risk to Singapore posed by the emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria across the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Methods & Materials: The likelihood of importation of drug-resistant malaria into Singapore and the impact on public health of its subsequent secondary spread in Singapore were assessed to determine the overall risk. Epidemiology of malaria cases in Singapore was analysed. Vulnerability and receptivity of Singapore were examined, including the connectivity between Singapore and countries reporting artemisinin resistance (ART-R), as well as preparedness of the health authorities. Results: The importation of ART-R malaria in Singapore is possible given the close proximity and significant travel volume between Singapore and the GMS countries reporting ART-R. Singapore's vulnerability is further enhanced by its high dependency on foreign workers from neighbouring endemic countries. Nonetheless, the overall likelihood of such an event is low based on the rarity and decreasing trend of imported malaria incidence over the past few years. From 2008 to 2017, 12 out of 209 (5.7%) P. falciparum cases detected in Singapore had mutations associated with artemisinin resistance. All cases had recovered without complications. Conclusion: This risk assessment highlights the need for a high degree of vigilance over the local and global situation to be maintained to minimise the risk and severity of the public health threat of drug-resistant malaria to Singapore. Corrigendum to “Assessment of the risk posed to Singapore by the emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria” [International Journal of Infectious Diseases 79(S1) (2019) 1–150]International Journal of Infectious DiseasesVol. 84PreviewThe authors regret an error to the Authorship list, which should appear as above. The authors apologise for any inconvenience caused. Full-Text PDF Open Access