WHO approves first malaria treatment tailored for neonate, toddlers

The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved, for the first time, a malaria treatment specifically formulated for newborns and young marking a significant step in the global fight against the disease.

In a statement issued Friday (April 24), the UN health agency said the drug—Artemether-lumefantrine—has received WHO prequalification, confirming it meets international standards for quality, safety and efficacy. The formulation is the first designed explicitly for newborns and very young children.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said malaria has long taken a devastating toll on families and communities, but advances in vaccines, diagnostics and child-friendly treatments are beginning to shift the trajectory.

“Malaria elimination is no longer just an aspiration—it is an achievable goal, provided there is sustained political and financial commitment,” he said.

According to WHO data, an estimated 282 million malaria cases and about 610,000 deaths were recorded globally in 2024, with around 95 percent occurring in Africa. Children under five account for the majority of fatalities.

The agency noted that the approval will facilitate procurement by governments and help address treatment gaps for nearly 30 million babies born each year in malaria-endemic regions of Africa.

Despite the progress, WHO cautioned that challenges remain, including rising resistance to drugs and insecticides, gaps in diagnosis, and declining international funding—factors that could hinder further gains against the disease.