WHO prequalifies Coartem Baby, first infant malaria
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- WHO granted prequalification to Coartem Baby, enabling public‑sector procurement in high‑malaria countries.
- Coartem Baby is a sweet cherry‑flavoured tablet that can be dissolved in liquids and treats infants from 2 kg (4.4 lb) upward.
- Novartis co‑developed Coartem Baby with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, delivering a WHO‑approved infant malaria therapy.
- Ghana has already introduced Coartem Baby, with a 12‑week‑old infant named Baby Wonder successfully treated.
- Tedros Ghebreyesus called the approval a “major public‑health milestone” as new vaccines, diagnostics, and next‑gen nets help turn the tide.
Why it matters: Infants in malaria‑high African nations gain a WHO‑prequalified, safe treatment, lowering dosing errors and potentially reducing the 610,000 annual malaria deaths; public‑sector procurement can cut health‑system costs and save lives.
