The World Health Organization has approved the first malaria medicine specially made for newborn babies and infants.
World Health Organization announced prequalification approval for artemether-lumefantrine, the first malaria treatment designed specifically for the youngest children.
WHO said the approval confirms the medicine meets international standards for quality, safety, and effectiveness. Until now, infants were treated with malaria drugs made for older children, increasing the risk of wrong dosing, side effects, and toxicity.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said new vaccines, better tests, mosquito nets, and child-friendly medicines are helping change the fight against malaria.
In 2024, malaria caused an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide. Africa accounted for 95% of cases and deaths, with children under five making up most fatalities.
WHO said the new approval could help close a major treatment gap for around 30 million babies born every year in malaria-endemic parts of Africa.
The agency added that public sector procurement can now move faster, improving access where it is needed most.
The decision marks a major breakthrough in protecting the world’s most vulnerable children from one of the deadliest diseases.
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