WHO Approves Baby-Specific Malaria Treatment to Prevent Overdose, But Death Rates May Persist

A public health expert says the World Health Organization’s first malaria drug formulated for newborns will help prevent dosing errors but is unlikely to cut Nigeria’s infant malaria deaths. Approved for infants weighing 2–5kg, the new “Coartem Baby” formulation replaces the practice of crushing older-child tablets. While it offers a safer delivery method, the expert notes it is not a new medication and may not by itself lower mortality. He urged stronger distribution monitoring in primary health centres, including facility-level reporting, “not for sale” pack labels and a hotline to curb illegal diversion. With Nigeria accounting for 27% of global malaria deaths, he stressed the need to boost preventive measures and community education to meet reduction targets.

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