Watch The World If... Malaria drugs stop working

The World If... Malaria drugs stop working is a documentary film that explores the potential consequences of malaria drugs becoming ineffective against the deadly disease. Malaria, caused by the plasmodium parasite and transmitted through mosquito bites, affects millions of people every year in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with Africa being the most affected continent.

The film begins by highlighting the recent successes against malaria. Over the last two decades, global efforts to combat malaria have led to a significant reduction in malaria-related deaths. The development of effective drugs, widespread distribution of mosquito nets, and the use of insecticides have all contributed to this progress. But the threat of drug resistance looms on the horizon.

The film presents a scenario in which the current drugs used to treat malaria, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), become ineffective. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of the plasmodium parasite in Southeast Asia, combined with the global movement of people and goods, creates a situation in which drug resistance spreads rapidly across the world.

The documentary explores the potential consequences of such a scenario. It shows how malaria could once again become a major killer, causing widespread suffering and death. The film talks to a range of experts, including doctors, scientists, and global health leaders, to discuss the potential impact on people's health, economies, and societies.

One of the most significant consequences of drug resistance highlighted in the film is the burden it would place on already struggling health systems in low and middle-income countries. The film shows how doctors in Africa are already struggling to treat malaria cases with limited resources. If drug resistance becomes widespread, many health systems could become overwhelmed, leading to a significant increase in malaria-related deaths.

The film also looks at the potential economic impact of drug resistance. Malaria is a significant burden on many economies, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it can cause billions of dollars in lost productivity each year. If drug resistance were to take hold, the economic impact could be much worse. The film shows how the disease could disproportionately affect women and children, who often bear the brunt of its impact on families and communities.

Another consequence of drug resistance explored in the film is the impact it could have on global health security. The film shows how outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola and Zika, have highlighted the need for global cooperation to combat infectious diseases. If drug resistance were to emerge, it could undermine progress in fighting other infectious diseases and weaken global health security.

The World If... Malaria drugs stop working is a sobering reminder of the importance of continued efforts to combat malaria. The film highlights the need for investment in research and development of new drugs, vaccines, and technologies to stay ahead of the evolving threat of drug resistance. It also calls for increased investment in health systems in low and middle-income countries to build resilience and prepare for future outbreaks.

Overall, the documentary is a vital contribution to public understanding of the potential consequences of drug resistance in malaria. It presents a compelling argument for urgent action to prevent drug resistance from taking hold and highlights the need for a global response to address the challenges of emerging infectious diseases.