Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the first malaria treatment specifically for newborns and infants weighing between two and five kilograms. The medicine, artemether-lumefantrine, meets international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. This enables public sector procurement and addresses a treatment gap affecting approximately 30 million babies born annually in malaria-endemic areas of Africa.
Previously, infants were treated with formulations intended for older children, increasing the risk of dosing errors and side effects. This new development aims to enhance treatment safety and effectiveness for this vulnerable group.
Additionally, WHO has approved three new rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect a different malaria parasite protein, pf-LDH. This move addresses the limitations of HRP2-based RDTs. Studies in 46 countries have shown that some strains of the malaria parasite have lost the gene producing HRP2, leading to false-negative results. In the Horn of Africa, this has resulted in up to 80% of cases being missed, delaying treatment and increasing the risk of severe illness and death.
WHO now recommends that countries transition to these new pf-LDH-targeting RDTs when over 5% of malaria cases are missed due to pf-hrp2 gene deletions, ensuring more accurate diagnosis and supporting malaria control efforts.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the progress made with new vaccines, diagnostic tools, mosquito nets, and medicines for the youngest patients, but stressed that ending malaria will require sustained political and financial commitment.