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The Digest:

The World Health Organisation has given prequalification approval to artemether-lumefantrine, the first antimalarial formulation designed specifically for newborns and infants. The WHO said the designation indicates the medicine meets international standards of quality, safety, and efficacy. Up to now, infants have been treated with formulations intended for older children, carrying greater risks of dosage errors and side effects. Africa accounts for 95 percent of malaria cases and deaths, with children under five accounting for three-quarters of those deaths.

Key Points:
  • An estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths occurred globally in 2024.
  • The approval will help close a treatment gap for about 30 million babies born annually in malaria-endemic areas of Africa.
  • WHO chief said, "Ending malaria in our lifetime is no longer a dream."
  • Progress against malaria is hampered by drug resistance and reduced foreign aid spending.
  • The prequalification enables public sector procurement of the medicine.
The approval marks a major step in protecting the youngest and most vulnerable from malaria.

Sources: Channels TV (AFP / Aramide Folorunsho)