A pilot study comparing the efficacy of artesunate alone and artesunate plus azithromycin for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in central Vietnam

This study is testing two malaria treatments in central Vietnam: a 7-day course of artesunate alone, and a combination of artesunate plus azithromycin. Researchers want to know if drug-resistant malaria exists in Vietnam, and whether the combination treatment is effective and safe — especially because it may eventually be used in high-risk groups like children and pregnant women. You may be eligible if: - You are between 5 and 65 years old - You have been diagnosed with falciparum malaria with a specific level of parasites in your blood - You are willing to provide small blood samples and attend follow-up visits for 28 to 42 days You may NOT be eligible if: - You have severe or cerebral malaria or another serious medical condition - You have taken an artemisinin drug in the past 7 days - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You have difficulty communicating with researchers due to mental health or language barriers Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.