Wanted: First Pediatric Antimalarial Treatment Prequalified for Newborns and Infants as WHO Strengthens Malaria Fight Ahead of World Malaria Day 2026

Ahead of World Malaria Day on 25 April 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the prequalification of the first malaria treatment developed specifically for newborns and young infants weighing between two and five kilograms. This marks a significant step forward in addressing a long-standing treatment gap for one of the most vulnerable patient groups.

The newly prequalified treatment, artemether-lumefantrine, is the first antimalarial formulation designed exclusively for the youngest malaria patients. Previously, infants with malaria were treated using formulations intended for older children, which increased the risk of dosing errors, side effects, and toxicity. WHO prequalification will enable public sector procurement, helping to expand access to quality-assured treatment for approximately 30 million babies born each year in malaria-endemic areas of Africa.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the significance of the development: For centuries, malaria has stolen children from their parents, and health, wealth and hope from communities. But today, the story is changing. New vaccines, diagnostic tests, next-generation mosquito nets and effective medicines, including those adapted for the youngest, are helping to turn the tide. Ending malaria in our lifetime is no longer a dream – it is a real possibility, but only with sustained political and financial commitment. Now One can. Now we must.

New Diagnostic Tests Address Emerging Challenges

On 14 April 2026, WHO also prequalified three new rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) designed to overcome limitations of existing malaria diagnostics. The most commonly used RDTs for Plasmodium falciparum detect the HRP2 protein, but in some regions, parasite strains have undergone pf-hrp2 gene deletions, making them undetectable by these tests and leading to false-negative results. In parts of the Horn of Africa, up to 80% of cases have been missed due to this issue, resulting in delayed treatment, severe illness, and increased mortality.

The newly prequalified tests target an alternative parasite protein, pf-LDH, which the malaria parasite cannot easily shed. These tests provide a reliable, quality-assured alternative where HRP2-based RDTs are failing. WHO now recommends that countries switch to these alternative RDTs when more than 5% of cases are missed due to pf-hrp2 deletions, ensuring accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and protection of hard-won malaria control gains—especially in vulnerable communities.

Context: Global Malaria Trends and Ongoing Efforts

The announcements coincide with the launch of the 2026 World Malaria Day campaign, Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must. The theme serves as a call to action to protect lives now and fund a malaria-free future.

According to the World Malaria Report 2025, there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024—an increase from 2023. While 47 countries have been certified malaria-free and 37 countries reported fewer than 1,000 cases in 2024, global progress has stalled. Key challenges include drug resistance, insecticide resistance, diagnostic failure (such as HRP2 deletions), and significant reductions in international development assistance.

Despite these obstacles, substantial progress has been made since 2000: an estimated 2.3 billion malaria infections have been prevented and 14 million lives saved worldwide. Twenty-five countries are currently rolling out malaria vaccines, protecting millions of children, and next-generation mosquito nets now account for 84% of all new nets distributed. These advances demonstrate what is achievable through coordinated innovation and sustained commitment to ending malaria for all.

About the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Guided by science, it connects nations, partners, and frontline workers in over 150 locations to respond to health emergencies, prevent disease, address root causes of health issues, and expand access to medicines, and healthcare. Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.

The theme for World Health Day 2026, Together for health. Stand with science, marks a year-long campaign to highlight science as the foundation for protecting health and well-being worldwide.