Nigeria among eight African countries behind breakthrough of Malaria treatment for Infants

By Isaac Joseph Inyang

Nigeria has been confirmed as one of eight African countries that contributed to clinical trials leading to the approval of the first malaria treatment specifically developed for newborns and infants weighing less than five kilograms. The approval, granted by Swissmedic in July 2025, represents a significant step in addressing a long-standing treatment gap for one of Africa’s most vulnerable groups.

The newly authorized medicine, Coartem Baby scientifically known as artemether-lumefantrine was developed by Novartis in collaboration with the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). Unlike existing drugs that required health workers to adapt adult doses, often leading to dosing challenges, Coartem Baby is designed in a dispersible, cherry-flavored form that dissolves easily in breast milk. This makes it safer and more practical for infants under five kilograms, who until now had no officially approved treatment option.

Nigeria, alongside Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda, participated in the CALINA study, which assessed the drug’s safety and efficacy. The trials were part of the PAMAfrica consortium and received funding support from the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership. Findings from the study provided the scientific evidence that informed regulatory approval.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomed the approval, describing it as a “major milestone” in reducing preventable malaria deaths. In its latest update, the agency emphasized its commitment to work with African governments to ensure the drug’s smooth rollout. This includes coordinating regulatory alignment among African Union member states, training frontline health workers, and strengthening medicine supply chains so that the treatment reaches infants in remote and high-burden communities without delay.

Malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization, nearly half a million children under the age of five die from the disease annually. Infants under five kilograms have been particularly at risk because there was no standard treatment available for them until now. Experts believe the approval of Coartem Baby could prevent thousands of deaths each year if effectively distributed and integrated into national malaria control programs.

For Nigeria, the development highlights both its role in global health research and the urgent need to translate scientific breakthroughs into accessible care. Public health experts stress that beyond approval, the priority must now shift to affordability, availability, and awareness. If these challenges are met, the introduction of Coartem Baby could change the outlook for malaria treatment in Nigeria and across Africa.