"The newly introduced combination of artemether and lumefantrine is the first antimalarial formulation that is safe for babies weighing less than 5 kilograms. Until now, infants have been treated with drugs developed for older children, which expose the newborns to risks of dosing errors and toxicity."
"Children under five remain the most vulnerable group, accounting for around 70% of all deaths related to the mosquito-borne disease. Malaria has a major impact during pregnancy, contributing to an estimated 10,000 maternal deaths and 200,000 stillbirths each year."
"The WHO approval allows countries to authorize the drug even if they lack the capacity to conduct full clinical trials. The approval also enables UN agencies to procure and distribute the treatment in malaria-endemic areas, subject to government approval."
"For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities. But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation treatments are being developed."
The World Health Organization approved the first malaria drug designed for infants, combining artemether and lumefantrine. This formulation is safe for babies under 5 kilograms, addressing risks associated with older children's medications. The approval allows countries to distribute the drug without full clinical trials, aiding UN agencies in malaria-endemic regions. Children under five represent about 70% of malaria deaths, with significant impacts during pregnancy. Despite progress since 2000, malaria remains a global health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the drug could benefit 30 million newborns annually.
Read at www.dw.com
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