Summary
The first malaria treatment specifically for babies and very young children has been approved for use. This new drug, called Coartem Baby, is expected to become available soon in African countries, where malaria affects many children under five. This treatment helps fill a gap, as there previously were no safe, approved malaria drugs for infants.
Key Facts
- A malaria treatment for babies and young children has been approved.
- Previously, no malaria drugs were specifically for infants, only for older children.
- Using drugs meant for older children posed overdose risks for babies.
- In 2023, malaria caused approximately 597,000 deaths, mostly in Africa.
- 75% of malaria deaths were children under five years old.
- The new drug, Coartem Baby, was developed by Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture.
- Eight African countries helped assess and test the new drug.
- The drug is primarily being offered on a not-for-profit basis to help reduce healthcare inequality.
