Khaberni - The World Health Organization has approved the world's first malaria drug for infants.
On the occasion of World Malaria Day, which falls on April 25, the organization announced that the drug formulation "Artemether Lumefantrine" is specifically designed for newborns and infants weighing up to 5 kilograms.
This drug may help close a gap in healthcare for about 30 million infants born annually in malaria-endemic areas across Africa, many of whom have been treated so far with doses meant for older children, which involves the risk of side effects.
The World Health Organization recommends the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets for infants and adults to minimize exposure to mosquito bites from the start.
According to data from the World Health Organization, children under the age of five account for 75% of malaria-related deaths.
