Malaria Treatment for Newborns Approved by WHO
Introduction
The World Health Organization has approved the first malaria treatment specifically designed for newborn babies. Malaria is a deadly disease that claimed 597,000 lives in 2023, with children under 5 accounting for 76 percent of all malaria deaths in Africa. This new treatment is a significant step forward in the fight against this disease, which primarily affects vulnerable populations in developing countries. With this approval, there is renewed hope for the thousands of newborns who are at risk of contracting malaria.
Current Scenario
Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, yet it continues to be a major public health concern in many parts of the world. In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that there were 409,000 deaths from malaria in the African region alone. This new treatment, which has been specifically formulated for newborns, will help reduce the staggering number of deaths caused by malaria in this region
About the Organizations Mentioned
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1948, with a mandate to promote global health, coordinate international responses to public health threats, and set standards for health policies and interventions[2]. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, WHO operates in over 150 countries, working with governments, NGOs, and other partners to advance health equity, strengthen health systems, and respond to health emergencies. ## What WHO Does WHO’s core activities include monitoring global health trends, setting international health standards, providing technical assistance to countries, and serving as a forum for scientific and policy discussions on health issues[2]. The organization publishes influential reports such as the annual **World Health Statistics**, which tracks progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a global “health report card”[1][8]. WHO also maintains the Model List of Essential Medicines, guiding countries on which drugs are most critical for public health[7]. In addition, WHO leads global campaigns on issues ranging from infectious disease eradication to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), maternal and child health, and health emergencies[2][6]. ## History and Key Achievements WHO’s history is marked by landmark achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, near-eradication of polio, and the development of an Ebola vaccine[2]. The organization played a pivotal role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating global research, vaccine distribution, and public health guidance. In May 2025, WHO member states adopted the world’s first **Pandemic Agreement**, a historic step to improve international coordination and equity in future health crises[4]. WHO also spearheads initiatives like the Triple Billion Targets (healthier lives, universal health coverage, and protection from health emergencies) and technical policy packages targeting tobacco, alcohol, salt, and trans fat reduction[1][2]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects WHO is currently implementing its **Fou
