WHO Approves First Malaria Drug Specifically for Newborns and Infants
In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) granted prequalification approval to artemether-lumefantrine, the first antimalarial medicine formulated specifically for newborns and infants. This marks a significant advancement in combating malaria-related deaths among the most vulnerable population, especially children under five in Africa. Artemether-lumefantrine is designed to improve treatment accuracy and safety compared to previous medicines intended for older children. With an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide in 2024—95% in Africa and nearly 75% of deaths among children under five—this approval aids governments and agencies in procuring quality-assured medicine to reduce infant mortality due to malaria.
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Key Facts
- In 2024, WHO prequalified artemether-lumefantrine as the first malaria medicine formulated specifically for newborns and infants.
- Malaria caused approximately 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, with 95% of cases and deaths occurring in Africa.
- Children under five years old accounted for nearly 75% of malaria deaths, indicating a critical need for infant-specific treatments.
- Artemether-lumefantrine is a widely used artemisinin-based combination therapy for treating uncomplicated malaria.
- WHO prequalification confirms that the medicine meets international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy, facilitating procurement by governments and health agencies, especially in countries with weaker regulatory systems.
Background & Context
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and primarily transmitted via the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Traditionally, newborns and infants were treated with antimalarial medicines designed for older children, increasing the risk of dosing errors, side effects, and toxicity. The development and WHO prequalification of artemether-lumefantrine in a formulation tailored for newborns and infants represent a major advance in safely and effectively treating this vulnerable group.
The WHO prequalification programme plays a vital role in certifying medicines that meet global quality and safety standards, improving access to essential treatments in malaria-endemic regions, particularly where national regulatory oversight is limited.
Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance
This recent WHO approval underscores ongoing global health efforts to reduce malaria mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Exam candidates should note the significance of the year 2024, the drug name (artemether-lumefantrine), the focus on newborns and infants as vulnerable populations, and the malaria burden statistics. Understanding advances in disease management and global health policies is often featured in current affairs and health-related exams.
Points to Remember
- WHO prequalified artemether-lumefantrine for newborns and infants in 2024.
- In 2024, malaria caused an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths worldwide.
- 95% of malaria cases and deaths occur in Africa.
- Children under five represent nearly three-fourths of malaria deaths.
- Artemether-lumefantrine is the first antimalarial specifically formulated for newborns and infants.
- Malaria is transmitted primarily by female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium parasites.
- WHO prequalification facilitates global procurement and access to quality medicines.
Sources & Further Reading
| Document / Website | Link |
|---|---|
| WHO Approves First Malaria Drug for Newborns | Open WHO Approves First Malaria Drug for Newborns ↗www.gktoday.in |
| World malaria report 2025 - WHO | Open World malaria report 2025 - WHO ↗www.who.int |
| Malaria treatment guidelines – CDC | Open Malaria treatment guidelines – CDC ↗www.cdc.gov |