Switzerland approved the first ever treatment for malaria in newborns and infants less than 6 months old. The medication, called Coartem Baby (artemether-lumefantrine), was developed by Novartis in partnership with the nonprofit Malaria for Medicines Venture (MMV) as well as other organizations.
Eight African countries are expected authorize the drug following the Swiss health agency’s approval. Coartem Baby meets a critical need for malaria treatments in young babies. Roughly 30 million babies are born each year in African counties with high levels malaria rates. The lack of authorized treatments for infants under 10 pounds means too many babies can’t get the help they need. In addition there are no authorized malaria vaccines options for the smallest babies. Global health experts hope that Coartem Baby will provide much needed relief for these vulnerable individuals.
Full Story: CIDRAP
