With numerous travelers returning from African countries infected with malaria, access to treatment has become limited in the United Kingdom.
Neon Healthcare recently advised the UK’s NaTHNaC that 250mg mefloquine (Lariam) antimalarial tablets are currently out of stock in the UK and will not be available until January 2026.
As of September 18, 2025, clinics and pharmacies with remaining supplies of mefloquine should prioritise travellers with imminent travel for whom mefloquine is the first choice of antimalarial. This includes pregnant travellers visiting high-risk malaria regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa.
The UK Malaria Expert Advisory Group’s Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK provides detailed advice and guidance for health professionals advising travellers, and is the first port of call for queries.
As of September 26, 2025, this antimalarial shortage has not impacted travel clinics and pharmacies in the United States.
