April 25, 2026 | 02:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday approved the first malaria drug specifically designed for infants.
The newly introduced combination of artemether and lumefantrine is the first antimalarial formulation that is safe for babies weighing less than 5 kilograms (2.2 pounds).
Until now, infants have been treated with drugs developed for older children, which expose the newborns to risks of dosing errors and toxicity.
What does the Malaria drug approval mean?
The WHO approval allows countries to authorize the drug even if they lack the capacity to conduct full clinical trials.
The approval also enables UN agencies to procure and distribute the treatment in malaria-endemic areas, subject to government approval.
Children under five remain the most vulnerable group, accounting for around 70 percent of all deaths related to the mosquito-borne disease.
Malaria has a major impact during pregnancy. Each year, it contributes to an estimated 10,000 maternal deaths, 200,000 stillbirths and around 550,000 babies being born with low birth weight, according to the WHO.
Since 2000, global efforts have led to significant progress, with an estimated 14 million deaths averted, the WHO says.
Nevertheless, malaria remains a major global health challenge, with about 282 million cases and over half a million deaths reported in 2024.
Africa grapples with Malaria
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nine out of ten Malaria cases and deaths globally.
The drug closes a medical care gap for 30 million babies born each year in malaria-endemic areas across the continent.
"For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation mosquito nets and effective medicines, including those adapted for the youngest, are helping to turn the tide."
Earlier this April, the WHO approved three new rapid tests as malaria parasites have evolved to become harder to detect.
In countries in the Horn of Africa, up to 80 percent of cases were found to be missed due to false negatives, which delayed treatment and increased the risk of death, according to the organization.
In 2021, the WHO recommended the first malaria vaccine. The vaccine was introduced on a large scale, targeting young children in multiple countries in Africa.
Read: Suckermouth Catfish Surge Signals Ecological Alarm in Jakarta's Rivers
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
UK and Indonesia Support Global Fund to Combat HIV, TB, and Malaria
12 November 2025
The UK and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to the Global Fund's efforts to combat HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
Indonesia Develops AI-Based Diagnosis System to Identify Malaria Parasites
14 Mei 2025
Indonesia's National Research Agency BRIN develops AI-based diagnosis system to assist healthcare workers in identifying malaria parasites.
Today's Top 3 News: Kosmos 482 Could Fall in Indonesia, Rarest Coins in the World
10 Mei 2025
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
How Indonesia's AI System Detects Malaria
9 Mei 2025
For a long time, malaria diagnosis has been done manually through a microscope, making the process prone to errors due to fatigue or limitations of expert personnel.
Sorong Health Office Finds 47 Malaria Cases in January-March
16 Maret 2024
The Health Office in South Sorong, Southwest Papua, found 47 malaria cases from January to March 2024 based on detection results and data collection.
Tuberculosis Deaths Rose During Pandemic, Reversing Years of Decline, WHO Says
29 Oktober 2022
Global efforts to tackle deadly diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indonesia Aims to be Malaria Free By 2030
25 April 2022
Malaria remains to be one of the many infectious diseases that spread in a number of Indonesian regions.
Mimika Health Office Ensures Malaria Under Control During PON
4 Oktober 2021
Mimika ensures the spread of malaria in the district continues to be under control, as the 20th National Sports Week (PON) takes place.
People Urged to be Vigilant of Malaria amid COVID-19
26 April 2020
Health Ministry has reminded the people living in malaria endemic areas, to be vigilant of the disease amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Mosquito-killing Drug Offers New Tool for Fighting Malaria
16 Maret 2019
A mosquito-killing drug tested in Burkina Faso reduced malaria cases by a fifth among children.
