WHO Approves First Malaria Drug for
Newborns
¨ World Health Organization
(WHO) has granted prequalification approval to the first malaria treatment
specifically designed for newborns and infants.
¨
The drug is
Artemether-Lumefantrine.
¨
It is considered a major
step toward reducing malaria-related deaths.
¨ It is expected to be
life-saving, especially in Africa where malaria remains a serious public health
challenge.
¨ This is the first
antimalarial drug developed specifically for newborns and young children.
¨
Earlier, infants were
treated using medicines meant for older children.
¨
This increased the risk
of incorrect dosage, side effects, and toxicity.
¨
The new formulation is
designed to be safer and more effective for infants.
¨
It is expected to improve
treatment outcomes in malaria-infected children.
¨ WHO prequalification
means the drug meets international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.
¨
It allows governments and
public health agencies to procure the drug.
¨
It can now be included in
national healthcare systems.
¨ The approval will help
increase access to the drug, especially in countries with weak regulatory
systems.
