WHO approves first malaria treatment for newborns
世界衛生組織批准首款用於新生兒的瘧疾治療藥物
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.
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。
Historically, doctors had to adapt adult or older-child dosages for these vulnerable patients, which often led to dangerous side effects.
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。
This new, precision-formulated medication addresses a critical gap for the 30 million babies born annually in malaria-endemic areas.
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。
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.
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。
This advancement is particularly timely, as children under five years old account for up to 75% of global malaria-related deaths.
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%。
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.
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。
