WHO pre-qualifies G6PD tests for treatment of malaria relapses

On 18 December, the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalified the first diagnostic test for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency to safely and effectively support anti-relapse treatment of Plasmodium vivax infection (P. vivax). Accessible and reliable G6PD testing is essential for the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency, a common genetic disorder in the world’s population that can lead to acute haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) when treated with certain drugs used to prevent relapse of P. vivax malaria. The use of G6PD testing allows the safe delivery of anti-relapse treatments, limiting their use to those that are absolutely necessary. Tests that can accurately distinguish between patients with above and below normal levels of G6PD activity provide critical information for clinicians to decide which P. vivax relapse prevention regimens are most suitable, including low and high-dose primaquine and one-dose tafenoquine. The STANDARD G6PD System Diagnostic Device is designed to measure G6PD enzyme activity in capillary or venous whole blood. Designed for use in laboratory and non-laboratory settings, it works with the STANDARD G6PD Analyser, a portable device that provides results in minutes. The aim is to ensure equitable access to life-saving health solutions on a global scale. It is estimated that 500,000 people perish from malaria annually, the majority of whom are children.