The world's most effective anti-malarial drug Artemisinin is losing its power. Research published in the Lancet today shows that resistance to it has spread from western Cambodia across to the border between Thailand and Burma.

Malaria killed 650,000 people - mainly children - in 2010 - according to the World Health Organisation. It had been hoped to stop its spread by 2015 but that will not be possible if resistance spreads. Dr Jimmy Whitworth from the Wellcome Trust, which funded the research published today, outlines the concerns.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.