Nigeria Joins African Breakthrough in Malaria Treatment for Newborns Under 5 kg

Nigeria Among Eight African Countries Leading with New Malaria Treatment for Newborns under 5 kg

Nigeria has joined seven other African nations in a historic medical milestone: the approval of the first-ever malaria drug specifically created for newborns and infants under 5 kg.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) praised Nigeria for its role in conducting clinical trials that led to this innovation, calling it “a turning point in the global fight against malaria.” Previously, babies below this weight had no safe, approved treatment, forcing healthcare workers to dangerously modify adult doses. The Nation Newspaper

This new drug is a specially formulated artemether-lumefantrin that dissolves easily in breast milk and offers a mild, sweet flavor, making it safe and manageable for fragile infants. The Nation Newspaper The drug was developed by Novartis, in partnership with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) under the PAMAfrica consortium, a collaboration aimed at improving malaria treatment options in Africa. The Nation Newspaper

The Swiss regulator has already approved the medication; and Nigeria, along with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda, is expected to fast-track its approval under Switzerland’s Global Health Products protocol. The Nation Newspaper

Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the significance: “This breakthrough ensures even the smallest and most vulnerable infants can access safe and effective treatment,” stressing the importance of continued collaboration. The Nation Newspaper Principal Adviser Dr. Ngashi Ngongo added, “This achievement shows Africa can lead in health innovation when nations unite, and Nigeria’s contribution was central to success.” The Nation Newspaper

Looking ahead, Africa CDC plans to support integration of the drug across health systems, fast-tracking regulatory approval, updating treatment guidelines, training health workers, and ensuring equitable access in underserved communities. The Nation Newspaper

This development is especially vital for Nigeria, which carries a heavy malaria burden, accounting for 27% of global malaria cases and 31% of global malaria deaths. Young children are the most affected, making this breakthrough a critical step toward saving thousands of infant lives. The Nation Newspaper