Short-Course Low-Dose Primaquine for Radical Cure in G6PD-Normal Patients in the Pre-Elimination Context of Nepal

Abstract

Background: Plasmodium vivax remains a challenge for malaria elimination in Nepal due to its ability to relapse. Radical cure with primaquine is effective but limited by poor adherence to the standard 14-day low-dose regimen. In 2022, the WHO recommended administering the same total dose (3.5 mg/kg) over 7 days to improve adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the 7-day low-dose primaquine regimen in G6PD-normal patients with uncomplicated P. vivax and/or P. falciparum malaria in the pre-elimination context of Nepal. Methods: A randomised study was conducted in south-west Nepal. Adult patients with microscopically confirmed P. vivax and/or P. falciparum malaria and glucose-6-phosphate dehyd..