WHO prequalifies malaria medicine designed for the smallest infants

WHO has prequalified a malaria treatment formulated specifically for newborns and small infants, addressing a gap in medicines suitable for this age group.

The artemether-lumefantrine formulation is designed for babies weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms. Previously, adapting treatments intended for larger children could create difficulties in delivering an appropriate dose.

The agency also reported the prequalification of additional rapid diagnostic tests. These include tests that detect a different parasite marker, helping address missed diagnoses associated with changes in the marker used by many existing products. Prequalification supports quality-assured procurement and access through health programmes.