Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Apr 24
WHO prequalifies first malaria treatment for infants and new rapid diagnostic tests
Updated
Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Apr 24
WHO prequalifies first malaria treatment for infants and new rapid diagnostic tests
14 articles · Updated · World Health Organization (WHO) · Apr 24
WHO has prequalified artemether-lumefantrine for newborns and infants weighing 2–5 kg, and three new rapid diagnostic tests targeting pf-LDH protein to address HRP2 gene deletions.
These advances will expand access to quality-assured treatment for up to 30 million babies annually in Africa and improve detection where up to 80% of cases were previously missed.
The announcements coincide with World Malaria Day 2026, as global progress stalls due to drug resistance and funding cuts, but new tools, vaccines, and nets continue to save millions of lives.
Can new malaria drugs and vaccines overcome a multi-billion dollar funding gap to reach vulnerable children?
As a new drug arrives, how will Africa combat the alarming spread of treatment-resistant malaria?
How can health systems deliver this new drug to remote villages, not just major cities?
Will climate change and extreme weather undermine the life-saving potential of this new infant drug?
With parasites evolving to evade tests, how can we ensure malaria cases are not missed?
What is the plan for next-gen drugs as resistance to current treatments inevitably grows?
Landmark 2026 Advances in Malaria: Coartem® Baby for Newborns and pLDH Rapid Tests Combat Diagnostic Failures
Overview
In April 2026, the WHO prequalified Coartem® Baby, the first malaria treatment specifically designed for infants weighing 2 to 5 kg, following the successful CALINA trial that proved its safety and efficacy. This approval addresses the previous lack of suitable infant formulations, reducing risks from inaccurate dosing. Simultaneously, WHO approved new pLDH-based rapid diagnostic tests to overcome failures of older HRP2 tests caused by parasite gene deletions, ensuring reliable malaria diagnosis. However, malaria remains a major threat, especially to young children and pregnant women, worsened by underfunding, weak health systems, and biological challenges. These innovations, combined with strengthened interventions, are vital steps toward reducing malaria’s burden globally.