NAIROBI, Kenya July 24 –The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), in collaboration with the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), is proud to announce the results of a groundbreaking study.
This study demonstrates that ivermectin, when administered to the population through Mass Drug Administration (MDA), can significantly reduce malaria transmission.
The findings, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlight ivermectin’s potential as a complementary tool to existing malaria control strategies, especially in endemic regions such as Kenya.
26 Percent Reduction
The Broad One Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa
(BOHEMIA), trial coordinated by ISGlobal and funded by Unitaid, is the largest
study to date exploring ivermectin’s impact on malaria transmission.
Conducted in Kwale County, Kenya, and Mopeia District, Mozambique, the study
demonstrated a 26 percent reduction in new malaria infections when ivermectin was administered alongside standard vector control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets.
“We are pleased to have participated in this landmark study, which complements malaria control and prevention strategies in endemic regions like Kenya. Ivermectin which has been effective against several parasitic infections, now shows great potential in the fight against malaria and other neglected tropical diseases,” said Prof Elijah Songok, the Acting Director General of KEMRI.
Malaria remains a persistent global health challenge, with 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths reported in 2023 alone.
The effectiveness of conventional vector control methods, such as Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), has declined.
This, however, is attributed to mosquito resistance and behavioural changes that allow mosquitoes to avoid treated areas and bite outdoors or during early morning and evening hours.
Ivermectin, a well-known and safe antiparasitic drug used to treat conditions such as onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, kills mosquitoes that feed on
treated individuals.
This makes it a promising vector control tool, especially where conventional methods are faltering.
Significant Reduction
In Kenya’s Kwale County, the MDA involved children aged 5 to 15 and administered a single dose of ivermectin (400 mcg/kg) over three consecutive months at the beginning of the rainy season.
The study involved over 20,000 participants and more than 56,000 treatments.
The results showed a statistically significant reduction in malaria infections, especially among children living in well-covered areas of the intervention clusters.
Notably, the safety profile of ivermectin was excellent, with only mild, transient side effects and no serious drug-related adverse events—consistent with its long-standing use in campaigns targeting neglected tropical diseases.
“These findings align with the World Health Organisation’s criteria for new vector control tools,” stated Dr. Joseph Mwangangi from the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme.
“The findings suggest that ivermectin MDA could be a valuable complementary
strategy for malaria control, particularly in areas where mosquito resistance to
Insecticides are a growing concern,” added Marta Maia, BOHEMIA’s Lead and Entomologist from the University of Oxford.
While the trial in Mopeia, Mozambique, faced setbacks due to Cyclone Gombe and a subsequent cholera outbreak, it reinforced the critical importance of community engagement and health system collaboration.
“One of the most important lessons we learned is that strong community engagement is essential. Trust and close coordination with the Ministry of Health and local leaders were key to community acceptance of the intervention,” said Francisco Saúte, Director of CISM.
Beyond malaria, ivermectin’s use resulted in collateral benefits.
Endemic Areas
In Mozambique, the MDA significantly reduced skin infestations such as scabies and head lice, while communities in Kenya reported a noticeable decline in bed bugs, highlighting ivermectin’s broader impact on public health.
“We are thrilled with these results. Ivermectin has shown great promise and could become an effective tool in malaria control and even elimination efforts,” added Carlos Chaccour, Co-Principal Investigator of BOHEMIA.
The results have been reviewed by the WHO Vector Control Advisory Group,
which recognised the evidence and recommended further studies.
National health authorities in Kenya and Mozambique have also been engaged in reviewing the findings to inform potential policy inclusion of ivermectin in malaria control programmes.
Regina Rabinovich, the Principal Investigator of BOHEMIA and Director of ISGlobal’s Malaria Elimination Initiative, concluded that this research has the potential to shape the future of malaria prevention, particularly in endemic areas where existing tools are failing.
“Ivermectin offers a novel, safe, and scalable approach to strengthen our malaria control arsenal.”
