Under the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), which of the following is the current first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in India?
- A Artesunate-Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine + Primaquine single dose ✓
- B Chloroquine + Primaquine for 3 days
- C Artemether-Lumefantrine + Primaquine single dose
- D Artesunate monotherapy for 7 days
Correct answer: A. Artesunate-Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine + Primaquine single dose
Explanation
India's NVBDCP currently recommends Artesunate (AS) + Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) combination (AS+SP) as first-line for uncomplicated P. falciparum, with a single dose of Primaquine (0.75 mg/kg) on Day 2 as a gametocytocidal agent. This regimen was adopted following widespread chloroquine resistance. Artemether-Lumefantrine is the WHO global recommendation but AS+SP remains India's national policy, being adapted to local drug supply chains.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.