First malaria drug for babies is approved in ‘major public health milestone’
The World Health Organization has approved Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment specifically for infants, marking a significant advancement in global health. The drug, safe for babies as small as 2kg, addresses a critical treatment gap in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Designed as a dissolvable, cherry-flavored tablet, it reduces the risks associated with using older children's formulations in newborns.
- ▪Up to 18% of children under six months in parts of Africa are infected with malaria, but until now there was no safe, approved treatment for them.
- ▪Coartem Baby, developed by Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture, contains artemether and lumefantrine and is formulated for infants as young as 12 weeks.
- ▪The treatment has already been introduced in Ghana, where it was successfully used to treat an infant named Baby Wonder who had a high fever and elevated malaria parasite levels.
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Baby Wonder, pictured with his mother, Naomi, was among the first patients to receive the drug. Photograph: Nana Kofi Acquah/NovartisView image in fullscreenBaby Wonder, pictured with his mother, Naomi, was among the first patients to receive the drug. Photograph: Nana Kofi Acquah/NovartisGlobal developmentFirst malaria drug for babies is approved in ‘major public health milestone’WHO prequalification of Coartem Baby means newborns can be safely treated rather than using medication for older childrenSupported byAbout this contentKat Lay, Global health correspondentSat 2 May 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Sat 2 May 2026 02.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe first malaria treatment for babies has been approved by the World Health Organization, opening the door to widespread use…
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