WHO Approves First Malaria Treatment for Newborns and Infants

Apr 25, 2026

71 min

Apr 25, 2026 10:31

First malaria treatment for newborns, infants clears prequalification stage

## WHO Prequalifies New Malaria Treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified a new malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and infants. This marks the first time a formulation of artemether-lumefantrine has been developed for babies weighing between two and five kilograms. The prequalification ensures the treatment meets international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

## Addressing a Critical Gap

Previously, infants with malaria were treated with medications intended for older children, posing risks of incorrect dosing and side effects. The new formulation aims to provide a safer and more precise treatment option for this vulnerable age group. WHO highlights that around 30 million babies are born annually in malaria-endemic regions of Africa, underscoring the need for age-appropriate treatments.

## A New Phase in Malaria Control

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus has emphasized that this development is part of a broader effort to combat malaria, which includes new vaccines, diagnostic tests, and advanced mosquito nets. Despite challenges like drug resistance and reduced funding, significant progress has been made, with 2.3 billion infections prevented and 14 million lives saved since 2000.

## Global Malaria Statistics

The latest World Malaria Report indicated an increase in malaria cases and deaths in 2024, with 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths reported. However, 47 countries have been certified malaria-free, and 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases, showing both progress and ongoing challenges in the fight against malaria.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents