The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted prequalification to Coartem\u00ae Baby<\/b> (artemether-lumefantrine), the first anti-malarial medication specifically developed by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis<\/b> for neonates and infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms. Until now, infants suffering from malaria were treated with medications intended for older children, which increased the risk of toxicity and side effects.<\/p>\n
The Prequalification Programme (PQP)<\/b> is a WHO initiative that certifies medical products\u2014including diagnostics, medicines, and vaccines\u2014for the treatment of various diseases. The process aims to confirm that products meet international standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. Prequalification outcomes, including lists of prequalified products, are used by United Nations agencies and other procurement bodies to inform public sector funding and medical purchasing decisions. Novartis plans to make this new medication available to approximately 30 million children born annually in malaria-endemic regions.<\/p>\nAdvancements in Diagnostics<\/h3>\n
Furthermore, on April 14, 2026<\/b>, the WHO prequalified three new Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)<\/b> designed to address modern challenges in malaria diagnosis. Previously, the most common rapid tests for the P. falciparum<\/i> parasite relied on detecting the HRP2 protein<\/b>. However, studies conducted in 46 countries confirmed that some parasite strains have lost the gene responsible for producing this protein, effectively making them “invisible” to HRP2-based tests and leading to false-negative results.<\/p>\n
In “Horn of Africa” countries (Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Eritrea), up to 80% of cases were not being properly detected, resulting in delayed treatment and, in many instances, patient death. The new tests solve this issue by detecting a different protein (pf-LDH<\/b>), which the parasite cannot afford to lose. The WHO recommends that countries rapidly transition to these new alternative tests.<\/p>\nLeadership and Global Outlook<\/h3>\n
“For centuries, malaria has stolen children from parents and health, prosperity, and hope from nations. But today, the situation is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, protective nets, and effective medications\u2014including tools tailored for the very youngest\u2014are helping us turn the tide. Ending malaria is no longer a dream; it is a real possibility, though achieving this is only possible with firm political will and financial support,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus<\/b>, WHO Director-General.<\/p>\n
According to the World Malaria Report 2025<\/b>, approximately 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths were recorded in 2024, indicating an upward trend compared to 2023. While 47 countries are recognized as malaria-free and 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases in 2024, global elimination progress has slowed.<\/p>\n
These gains are threatened by challenges such as:<\/p>\n
Resistance to medications and insecticides.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Diagnostic gaps.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
A sharp decline in international aid.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Malaria also has a significant impact on pregnant women. WHO data shows that the disease causes up to 10,000 maternal deaths, 200,000 stillbirths, and nearly 550,000 low-birth-weight deliveries every year.<\/p>\n
Despite these hurdles, significant progress has been recorded: since 2000, approximately 2.3 billion infections have been averted and 14 million lives have been saved. Currently, 25 African countries are implementing malaria vaccination programs. these results clearly demonstrate the positive dynamic achievable through international partnership, the implementation of innovation, and a unified strategy toward malaria elimination.<\/p>\n