Geneva: On World Malaria Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced a significant advancement in combating malaria by prequalifying the first treatment specifically developed for newborns and young infants weighing between two and five kilograms. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in providing targeted healthcare solutions for one of the most vulnerable patient groups.

According to Emirates News Agency, the prequalification of this treatment, artemether-lumefantrine, signifies its compliance with international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. This development is expected to widen access to quality-assured treatment, addressing a critical gap in healthcare for infants with malaria. Previously, these young patients were treated with formulations meant for older children, posing risks of dosing errors, side effects, and toxicity.

The WHO prequalification is anticipated to facilitate public sector procurement, thereby addressing a longstanding treatment gap affecting approximately 30 million babies born annually in malaria-endemic regions of Africa. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of this development, noting that progress in malaria prevention and treatment is turning the tide against the disease. He highlighted that ending malaria is now a real possibility with sustained political and financial commitment.

According to the World Malaria Report 2025, the global fight against malaria faces challenges, with an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths in 2024, an increase from the previous year. Although 47 countries have achieved malaria-free status and 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases in 2024, global progress has stalled. Nonetheless, significant strides have been made since 2000, with an estimated 2.3 billion malaria infections prevented and 14 million lives saved worldwide.