Switzerland Greenlights New Malaria Medication for Infants

(MENAFN) Switzerland’s drug authority has granted approval for the first malaria medication specifically designed for infants and young children, marking a critical advancement in pediatric healthcare.

Swissmedic announced Tuesday on its website, "This marks a significant step in the global effort to improve access to life-saving treatments for vulnerable populations."

The treatment—marketed as Coartem Baby, and known as Riamet Baby in some regions—is set to be distributed across multiple African nations in the coming weeks.

Previously, malaria in babies and toddlers was managed using versions of the drug meant for older children, increasing the risk of dosing errors.

Eight African countries that participated in evaluating the drug’s safety and efficacy are now expected to accelerate their individual approval processes to speed up access.

Malaria continues to pose a dire threat to global health. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded approximately 263 million infections and 597,000 deaths across 83 countries. The WHO African Region bore the brunt, accounting for 94% of reported cases and 95% of fatalities. Children under five years old represented around 76% of those deaths.

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