A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine looked at yearly surveillance of uncomplicated malaria cases caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite in Uganda from 2016 to 2022. 

The researchers looked at the occurrence of mutations in the kelch protein K13 (pfK13), which can lead to partial resistance to artemisinin, a key component in malaria treatment in Africa. 

The study revealed that by 2021-2022, over 20% of parasites in 11 out of 16 districts showed resistance markers. Notably, mutations 469Y and 675V were prevalent in northern Uganda, while 469F was prominent in southwestern Uganda. 

Other variants, such as 561H and 441L, have become more common in southwestern and western Uganda. 

Multiple PfK13 mutations, comprising five resistance indicators, have become more common. The authors caution that these genetic alterations could affect malaria treatment in Uganda, citing southeast asia's experience with artemisinin resistance. 

They highlighted the need for better understanding and strategies for drug resistance prevention.