Malaria can leave lasting effects on children’s brains, even after recovery from the acute illness, according to recent medical findings.
The disease, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, remains a major health threat in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly affecting young children.
In 2023, malaria was linked to approximately 597,000 deaths worldwide, with the majority occurring in Africa. About three-quarters of those fatalities involved children under the age of five, underscoring the disease’s disproportionate impact on the youngest and most vulnerable populations.
Whereas treatments exist for malaria in children, there has historically been no medication specifically approved for infants and very young babies weighing less than 4.5 kilograms. Instead, these children have often been given drugs designed for older children, raising concerns about the risk of overdose.
But, a significant development emerged in July 2025 when the first malaria treatment suitable for infants and very young children received approval for use. Health officials expect the medication to be rolled out in African countries in the coming weeks, offering a safer, age-appropriate option for the most at-risk patients.
Experts emphasize that early diagnosis through blood tests and microscopic examination remains critical in managing the disease. Preventive measures, such as avoiding mosquito bites, continue to play a key role in reducing infection rates among children.
The approval of this new treatment marks a step forward in addressing a long-standing gap in pediatric malaria care, with potential to reduce mortality and improve outcomes for infants in endemic regions.
