WHO Prequalifies First Malaria Treatment for Infants
The World Health Organization has granted prequalification approval to artemether-lumefantrine, the first antimalarial formulation specifically designed for newborns and infants. Previously, infants were treated with formulations intended for older children, which carried greater risks of dosage errors, side effects, and toxicity. The WHO announced the decision on Friday, stating that the prequalification indicates the medicine meets international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that new vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation mosquito nets, and effective medicines are helping to turn the tide against malaria, which has long stolen children from their parents.
Key facts
- WHO prequalified artemether-lumefantrine for newborns and infants
- First antimalarial formulation designed specifically for infants
- Previous treatments for infants used formulations for older children
- Prequalification indicates meeting international quality, safety, efficacy standards
- Announced on Friday by WHO
- WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commented on the development
- New vaccines, diagnostic tests, mosquito nets, and medicines are part of broader efforts
Entities
Institutions
- World Health Organization
Locations
- Geneva
- Switzerland