- The first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) because it offers rapid parasite clearance and reduces the risk of developing drug resistance by combining fast-acting artemisinin derivatives with longer-acting partner drugs.
- Unlike chloroquine, which faces widespread resistance, ACT remains highly effective worldwide.
- Monotherapy with quinine is less preferred due to higher toxicity and less convenience, while sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is not recommended due to increasing resistance and inferior efficacy.

Reference: WHO Malaria Treatment Guidelines, 3rd Edition, Chapter 3