Nigeria and seven other countries will be the first to treat babies with malaria.
By: OVL News
According to the Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Nigeria is one of eight African nations that will be at the forefront of implementing the world’s first malaria therapy tailored to neonates.
Nigeria has the greatest global burden of malaria, making this research a significant step in the fight against one of the continent’s most deadly childhood illnesses.
The first malaria drug designed especially for newborns and infants under five kilograms was approved, which was hailed by the Africa CDC as a significant step in bridging a crucial care gap for the continent’s youngest and most vulnerable.
Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda were among the eight member states that took part in clinical trials, according to Africa CDC, which helped them reach the milestone.
“Africa’s expanding role in promoting health innovation and guaranteeing that no child is left behind is highlighted by their leadership.”
Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) collaborated on the new artemether-lumefantrin formulation for children under the PAMAfrica consortium, with co-funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, the center said in a statement.
Under the Swiss agency’s Marketing Authorization for Global Health Products procedure, the center added that the formulation has been approved by Swiss drug regulators and anticipates quick approvals from the eight African nations.
For newborns under five kilograms, there was no approved treatment up to this point. The risk of overdose and toxicity was increased since these kids were frequently given medications at modified dosages intended for older kids.
According to the Africa CDC, this new formulation provides a safe, efficient, and baby-friendly alternative that is easy to administer and dissolves in breast milk. It also has a sweet flavor.
In order to improve access in areas where malaria is endemic—where around 30 million infants are born annually—Novartis intends to launch the medication primarily on a non-profit basis.
“The treatment’s approval represents a significant advancement in the battle against malaria. According to Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya, “it guarantees that even the tiniest and most vulnerable infants now have access to safe and effective treatment.”
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