For many Gabonese, malaria remains a constant struggle. Libreville resident Julicia Nfono says the disease keeps coming back despite preventive measures.

Led by Dr. Ghyslain Mombo-Ngoma at the Medical Research Centre of Lambaréné, researchers tested a one-time treatment combining four widely available anti-malarial compounds — sulfadoxine, pyrimethamine, artesunate, and pyronaridine. The new drug cleared malaria parasites in 93% of patients, matching the success of the standard three-day regimen.

The single-dose approach could help improve treatment compliance, reduce resistance, and make malaria care more accessible in Africa’s most affected communities.