Ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday approved the first malaria drug designed specifically for infants.
The newly introduced combination of artemether and lumefantrine is the first antimalarial formulation that is safe for infants weighing less than 5 kg (2.2 lb).
Until now, infants have been treated with drugs developed for older children, putting newborns at risk for dosing errors and toxicity.
What does approval of a malaria drug mean?
WHO approval This allows countries to authorize the drug even if they do not have the capacity to conduct full clinical trials.
This approval also enables UN agencies to purchase and distribute treatment in malaria-endemic areas, subject to government approval.
Children under five years of age remain the most vulnerable group, accounting for about 70% of all deaths related to mosquito-borne disease.
Malaria has the greatest impact during pregnancy. According to WHO, each year it contributes to an estimated 10,000 maternal deaths, 200,000 stillbirths and approximately 550,000 infants born with low birth weight.
WHO says global efforts have made significant progress since 2000 and have averted an estimated 14 million deaths.
Nevertheless, malaria remains a major global health challenge, with approximately 282 million cases and more than half a million deaths recorded in 2024.
Africa is struggling with malaria
Nine out of ten malaria cases and deaths globally occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
The drug closes the gap in medical care for the 30 million babies born each year in malaria-endemic areas across the continent.
“For centuries, malaria has snatched children from their parents and the health, wealth and hope of their communities,” said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, clinical trials, next-generation bed nets and effective medicines, including those adapted for the youngest people, are helping to change the situation.”
Earlier this April, WHO approved three new rapid tests as malaria parasites become harder to detect.
According to the organization, in countries in the Horn of Africa, up to 80% of cases are missed due to false negatives, leading to delayed treatment and increased risk of death.
In 2021, WHO recommended the first malaria vaccine. This vaccine was administered on a large scale in many countries in Africa, targeting young children.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery