WHO Prequalifies First Malaria Treatment for Infants

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the prequalification of the first malaria treatment specifically for newborns and young infants (weighing 2-5 kg), named artemether-lumefantrine. This marks a significant step in addressing a long-standing treatment gap for approximately 30 million babies born annually in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in Africa. Previously, infants were treated with formulations intended for older children, leading to risks of dosing errors and side effects. Additionally, the World Health Organization prequalified three new rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) designed to overcome challenges posed by malaria parasite strains that are 'invisible' to older HRP2-based RDTs, especially prevalent in the Horn of Africa. These new tests target a different parasite protein (pf-LDH), ensuring more accurate diagnosis. These announcements coincide with World Malaria Day 2026, highlighting the ongoing global efforts to combat malaria, despite challenges like drug resistance and declining international funding. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, emphasized that ending malaria is now a real possibility with sustained commitment. India has also shown significant progress in reducing malaria cases and deaths.