ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria has been named among eight African countries that participated in clinical trials of the world’s first malaria treatment specifically designed for newborns.
The new artemether-lumefantrine formulation is the first treatment tailored for children weighing less than five kilogrammes.
Unlike existing options, it dissolves in breast milk and has a sweet flavour, making it easier to administer to infants.
The drug was developed through a partnership between Novartis and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), under the PAMAfrica consortium.
According to reports, the clinical trials were conducted in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Swiss regulators have already cleared the drug, and Nigeria, alongside the other participating nations, is expected to fast-track national approvals under the Swiss agency’s marketing authorisation for global health products procedure.
Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), hailed the development as “a major step forward in the fight against malaria.”
Ngashi Ngongo, principal advisor to the Africa CDC DG, emphasised that the success of the trial highlighted Africa’s growing capacity for health innovation through international collaboration.
He noted Nigeria’s pivotal role in ensuring the success of the study.
The Africa CDC has pledged to support participating countries in integrating the treatment into their health systems by:
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Expediting regulatory approvals
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Updating treatment guidelines
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Training health workers
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Ensuring equitable access in rural communities
