What is the first malaria treatment approved by the WHO for newborns?

Artemether-lumefantrine is the first antimalarial formulation designed specifically for newborns and infants, having received prequalification approval from the WHO.

Why is a specific malaria treatment for infants important?

Infants previously used older-child formulations, increasing the risk of dosage errors, side effects, and toxicity. The new drug addresses this critical treatment gap.

How many people died from malaria in 2024?

There were an estimated 610,000 deaths from malaria in 2024, with Africa accounting for the vast majority of cases and fatalities.

Home / Health / WHO Approves First Malaria Drug for Newborns

WHO Approves First Malaria Drug for Newborns

25 Apr

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Summary

WHO prequalification grants approval for first malaria drug for newborns.
New formulation prevents dosage errors and toxicity in infants.
Malaria caused 610,000 deaths in 2024, mostly in Africa.

WHO Approves First Malaria Drug for Newborns

The World Health Organization announced a significant milestone on Friday by granting prequalification approval to the first malaria treatment designed specifically for newborns and infants. This new antimalarial formulation, artemether-lumefantrine, has met stringent international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy.

Until now, infants suffering from malaria were treated with formulations intended for older children, which carried a heightened risk of dosage errors, side effects, and toxicity. This development marks a critical step in combating the disease, which claimed an estimated 610,000 lives in 2024 across 80 countries.