From a public health perspective, drug resistance is a critical factor that undermines malaria control.Plasmodium falciparum and resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine is widespread. At present, natural quinine is still effective against P. falciparum everywhere in the world except partially in South-east Asia and South America, where decreased susceptibility is reported. Only the artemisinin derivatives, used for 15 years in Asia and, more recently in Africa, have not generated clinical resistance. Overcoming or reducing resistance requires the adoption of several strategies; central to these is the use of effective chemotherapy for those who need it. In addition, to new molecules, we need to develop and implement strategies to protect drugs against resistance. Resistance to single-drug therapies will inevitably occur. Drug combinations, which have been standard practice for viral and bacterial diseases, are now being adopted for malaria as well. The artemisinin derivatives in combination with standard antimalarials are now being promoted as the best therapeutic option for treating drug-resistant malaria and retarding the development of resistance.