New Malaria Drug for Babies - Important Step for Nigeria and Africa
Image illustrating a mother giving malaria drug to an awake baby
Good News for Nigerian Parents
For the first time ever in history, a malaria drug has been specially made and approved for newborn babies.
On July 8, 2025, a major breakthrough was announced by Novartis the medicine is called Coartem® Baby (also known as Riamet® Baby). This new drug was approved by Swissmedic, the Swiss health agency, and it's the first malaria treatment designed just for infants weighing 2 to 5kg.
On July 8, 2025, Novartis, a big medicine company, said they made a new drug called Coartem® Baby. The health agency in Switzerland, called Swissmedic, gave its approval for this new medicine. It is the first malaria treatment made only for babies who weigh between 2 and 5 kilograms.
Why This Matters
Every year in Africa, around 30 million babies are born in areas where malaria is a widespread problem. But before now, doctors could only give malaria medicines made for older children. This sometimes caused overdose or did not work well for newborn babies.
Even the two malaria vaccines currently available cannot be given to newborn babies. This caused a big problem, and sadly, many babies died.
According to Africa CDC, more than 70% of all malaria deaths across Africa are among children younger than 5 years old
What Is Coartem® Baby?
- Type: A malaria medicine for newborns and small babies (2–5 kg)
- Use: To treat simple malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (the deadliest type)
- Based on: The CALINA Phase II/III study
- Form: Baby-friendly dose to avoid overdose
What the Company Said
Vas Narasimhan, the boss of Novartis, said:
“We are happy to make the first tested malaria medicine for newborn and young babies. Now even the smallest and weakest babies can get the care they need.”
He also said the medicine will mostly be sold without profit to help families in poor or high-risk areas like Nigeria.
What Happens Next?
Eight (8) African countries already helped check the medicine. They are expected to approve it quickly using a fast process.
The medicine is not yet available in the United States, but many African countries will get it soon.
Nigeria’s health agencies, like NAFDAC and NCDC, will soon check the medicine and plan how to use it in Nigeria.
Malaria and Babies: A Serious Health Concern
There are many explanations about malaria in books and even online, some use medical words that ordinary people may not even understand. For me. I liking keeping everything simple so according to Africa CDC, malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, and it spreads through mosquito bites. The common symptoms are fever, chills, vomiting, body weakness, and sometimes seizures.
Malaria can affect anyone, but it is most dangerous for babies and small children because their immune system is still weak. If not treated as fast as possible, it can cause death. That is why this new baby friendly medicine like Coartem® Baby is a very big step it gives newborn babies a better chance to survive.
What Nigerian Parents Should Know
If you just had a baby or care for one, ask your health worker about this new medicine in the next few months.
The medicine should be available in public health centres once Nigeria officially accepts it.
This medicine does not replace mosquito nets, clean homes, and early tests, but it is a big step to save babies’ lives.
What Government and NGOs Can Do
- NPHCDA and NCDC should quickly check the medicine and tell people about it.
- Hospitals in malaria areas like the North and Niger Delta should train health workers on how to care for babies with malaria.
- NGOs working on child health can help with community awareness and support for giving out the medicine.
This new malaria medicine gives hope to many Nigerian mothers who are very worry about their newborn babies during mosquito season. For the first time, even the smallest babies have a better chance to survive.
We call on the Nigerian government and health workers to act quickly. Let this medicine reach every part of Nigeria where malaria still kills many people. Expecially in Rural areas
Important Caution and Advice
Please remember, this new malaria medicine for newborns is not yet available everywhere. Parents should not try to buy or use any medicine without advice from a qualified doctors please. Always take your baby to the nearest hospital or health centre for proper care and guidance.
We encourage everyone to share this information with parents and caregivers in your community.
References
- Vax-Before-Travel. Infants Can Now Receive Targeted Malaria Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.vax-before-travel.com
- Africa CDC. Malaria Overview. Retrieved from: https://africacdc.org
- Novartis Press Release. (2025, July 8)