世界衛生組織批准首款用於新生兒的瘧疾治療藥物
WHO approves first malaria treatment for newborns
2026年4月24日，世界衛生組織（WHO）宣布了全球衛生史上的一個重大里程碑：批准了「Coartem Baby」，這是首款專為體重在2到5公斤之間的新生兒與嬰兒所設計的瘧疾治療藥物。
On April 24, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a historic milestone in global health by approving Coartem Baby, the first malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns and infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms.
過去，醫生必須調整成人或較大兒童的劑量來治療這些體弱的患者，這常常導致危險的副作用。
Historically, doctors had to adapt adult or older-child dosages for these vulnerable patients, which often led to dangerous side effects.
這種經過精確配方的新藥填補了瘧疾疫區每年出生的3000萬名嬰兒在治療上的空缺。
This new, precision-formulated medication addresses a critical gap for the 30 million babies born annually in malaria-endemic areas.
該藥物由諾華公司與「藥物治療瘧疾創投基金」(Medicines for Malaria Venture)研發，預計將以非營利方式供應，以確保廣泛的獲取權。
Developed by Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture, this treatment is expected to be distributed on a not-for-profit basis to ensure broad access.
這一進展非常及時，因為5歲以下兒童占據了全球瘧疾相關死亡人數的75%。
This advancement is particularly timely, as children under five years old account for up to 75% of global malaria-related deaths.
雖然撒哈拉以南非洲仍是受該疾病影響最重的地區，但全球抗瘧努力正面臨藥物耐藥性升高及國際支持下降的挑戰。
While Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region hardest hit by the disease, global efforts are currently challenged by rising drug resistance and declining international support.
這一發展凸顯了在世界瘧疾日到來之前，對保護全球最脆弱群體的持續承諾。
This development highlights the ongoing commitment to protecting the world’s most vulnerable populations ahead of World Malaria Day.
