The World Health Organization has approved the first malaria treatment specifically designed for babies under six months old, marking what health officials describe as a major milestone in global public health.

The WHO's prequalification of Coartem Baby means newborns and infants can now be safely treated with age-appropriate medication, rather than using treatments designed for older children. Previously, there was no safe treatment option for the youngest patients suffering from malaria.

The approval addresses a significant medical need in parts of Africa, where up to 18% of children under six months are infected with malaria. The disease remains a leading cause of death among young children, with approximately 610,000 deaths from malaria recorded in 2022, with about three-quarters of those deaths occurring in children under five years old in Africa.

The WHO's prequalification process evaluates medicines for safety, efficacy and quality, and serves as a gateway for widespread international procurement and distribution. This approval is expected to enable broader access to the treatment across affected regions.

Malaria continues to pose a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden of disease remains highest among vulnerable populations including infants and young children.