By Redaction ARPS with Africa CDC and Other Agencies
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has endorsed Coartem Baby, the first malaria medication specifically for infants under five kilograms.
Developed by Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture, this treatment eliminates the risk of overdosing by removing the need for dosage adjustments.
Dr. Jean Kaseya highlighted its significance for vulnerable infants, with plans for roll-out in eight trial countries: Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.
In 2023, malaria caused 597,000 deaths globally, with 76% of the fatalities in Africa being children under five.
Read more at: Africa CDC Applauds First-Ever Malaria Treatment for Infants Under 5 kg – Africa CDC
