Africa to roll out first malaria treatment suitable for babies and young children

In a major breakthrough in the fight against malaria, eight African countries are set to roll out the first-ever malaria treatment specifically formulated for infants and very young children. The move marks a significant milestone in public health efforts to combat one of the continent’s deadliest diseases.

The countries leading the rollout are Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. These nations, which collectively bear a substantial portion of the global malaria burden, are expected to begin administering the treatment in the coming months.

The new treatment is designed to be safe, effective, and easier to administer to babies and children under five—an age group that accounts for more than 75% of all malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, welcomed the development, stating:

“This new formulation is a game-changer. For too long, the youngest and most vulnerable have struggled with treatments not tailored to their needs. This medicine offers real hope to millions of families.”

Health experts have lauded the treatment as a timely intervention amid rising cases of drug-resistant malaria strains and the ongoing climate challenges that have expanded mosquito breeding zones.

In Kenya, where malaria remains a leading cause of childhood illness and death, health officials say preparations are underway to train health workers and ensure the treatment reaches remote and high-risk communities.

“We are prioritizing counties in the lake and coastal regions where malaria transmission is highest,” said Dr. Peter Maina, a malaria control officer at the Ministry of Health.
“This treatment will complement other efforts like the use of insecticide-treated nets and seasonal chemoprevention.”

The new child-friendly formulation comes in the form of dispersible tablets, making it easier for caregivers to administer and for children to swallow. Previously, most malaria treatments were formulated for adults, with dosing challenges and side effects when used in very young patients.

The rollout is supported by a coalition of global health partners, including WHO, UNICEF, the Global Fund, and pharmaceutical partners who collaborated to fast-track the development and distribution of the treatment.

As the medication becomes available, officials in the participating countries are calling on caregivers to seek early treatment for children showing signs of malaria, such as fever, chills, and vomiting.

With malaria still claiming over 600,000 lives globally each year, mostly in Africa, the introduction of a treatment tailored for infants is seen as a critical step toward reducing child mortality and moving closer to global malaria elimination goals.

“We now have a chance to save more lives,” said Dr. Jane Wanjiku, a pediatrician based in Nairobi.
“The medicine is not just a tool; it’s a lifeline for thousands of children who suffer silently from a disease that’s preventable and treatable.”

Governments and health organizations are urging the public to support the initiative and help spread awareness about the availability and importance of the new treatment.