Tu Youyou's discovery of artemisinin has had a profound impact on global health. Artemisinin is a compound derived from the Chinese herb artemisia annua, which was developed as an effective antimalarial drug. Here are some of the major global health impacts of artemisinin:
Saving lives: According to the World Health Organization, artemisinin, a first-line antimalarial drug, has saved millions of lives globally over the past 20 years and treats hundreds of millions of patients each year
Reduce malaria mortality: Between 2000 and 2015, malaria mortality among all age groups at risk decreased by 60% globally, and mortality among children under 5 years of age decreased by 65%
Widespread use of artemisinins: Since 2000, the World Health Organization has recognized artemisinins as the antimalarial drug of choice
Ongoing research and development: Tu and her team continue to conduct in-depth research on artemisinin to address issues such as antimalarial mechanism, causes of resistance and adjustment of treatment methods, as well as explore new indications such as artemisinin for the treatment of lupus erythematosus
Enhancing the international status of TCM: Tu Youyou's discovery not only demonstrated the value of TCM, but also promoted the international recognition and application of TCM
Advancing the global malaria response: The discovery and application of artemisinin provides an important tool for the global malaria response and contributes to the goal of global malaria elimination
Affordable treatment option: Artemisinin is inexpensive and suitable for populations in poor, concentrated areas of the world where malaria is endemic, which is important for achieving the goal of global malaria elimination
Tu's discovery is not only a milestone in medicine, but also a great contribution to the cause of global health.