Children under five account for more than two-thirds of malaria deaths. A new drug offers hope for this vulnerable group.

Ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday approved the first malaria drug specifically designed for infants.

The newly introduced combination of artemether and lumefantrine is the first antimalarial formulation that is safe for babies weighing less than 5 kilograms (2.2 pounds).

Until now, infants have been treated with drugs developed for older children, which expose the newborns to risks of dosing errors and toxicity.

What Does the Malaria Drug Approval Mean?

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.

Since 2000, global efforts have led to significant progress, with an estimated 14 million deaths averted, the WHO says.

Nevertheless, malaria remains a major global health challenge, with about 282 million cases and over half a million deaths reported in 2024.

Africa Grapples with Malaria

Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nine out of ten Malaria cases and deaths globally.

The drug closes a medical care gap for 30 million babies born each year in malaria-endemic areas across the continent.

"For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation mosquito nets and effective medicines, including those adapted for the youngest, are helping to turn the tide."

Earlier this April, the WHO approved three new rapid tests as malaria parasites have evolved to become harder to detect.

In countries in the Horn of Africa, up to 80% of cases were found to be missed due to false negatives, which delayed treatment and increased the risk of death, according to the organization.

In 2021, the WHO recommended the first malaria vaccine. The vaccine was introduced on a large scale, targeting young children in multiple countries in Africa.