Geneva [Switzerland], April 26: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday approved the first malaria drug specifically designed for infants. The World Malaria Day was marked on April 25.
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.
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.
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. Each year, it contributes to an estimated 10,000 maternal deaths, 200,000 stillbirths and around 550,000 babies being born with low birth weight, according to the WHO.
Source: Qatar Tribune
