LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian public health physician, Dr Ifeoluwa Odedina, has raised concerns that the newly approved malaria drug for newborns by the World Health Organization (WHO) may improve dosing safety but will not significantly reduce infant deaths in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently approved its first malaria drug, specifically made for babies weighing between two and five kilograms.
The drug, Coartem baby, was developed by Novartis in partnership with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, with plans to distribute it on a largely not-for-profit basis.
Although it is being welcomed for improving safety in global child healthcare, Odedina who works at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, said the new treatment may not significantly lower infant malaria deaths in Nigeria.
He noted that the drug is not entirely new but a modified version of an existing treatment adapted for very small infants.
The physician explained that the newly introduced drug only prevents overdose, while highlighting its real impact on survival rates in treating infants suffering from malaria.
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“It is not a new drug per se. The same medication was already being improvised for them before, so it will just help clinical care givers to avoid administering overdose of the drug. So, I do not think there will be marked reduction in the number of babies that die from malaria because of its introduction,” he said.
Previously, doctors treated newborns by crushing tablets meant for older children, mixing them with water, and giving smaller doses.
Odedina noted that this method has been widely used without major issues in his experience.
“I have not seen any harm from using crushed tablets in my own experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, the introduction of Coartem Baby is still considered important because it provides a safer and more precise dosage for vulnerable infants.
Nigeria carries a heavy malaria burden, accounting for about 27 percent of global deaths from the disease.
Across Africa, around 30 million babies are born each year in malaria-prone regions, many without access to properly approved treatments.
To make the drug effective at the community level, Odedina stressed the need for stronger health system oversight.
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He therefore recommended better tracking of supplies, regular checks at Primary Health Centres, clear labeling to prevent illegal sales, and a hotline for the public to report misuse or sales.
On the global stage, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, described the approval as a sign that ending malaria is within reach.
Despite Ghebreyesus’s endorsement, Odedina expressed doubt about Nigeria meeting the WHO target of reducing malaria cases by 90 percent by 2030.
“It will be near impossible to achieve the 90 percent elimination goal in four years within the Nigerian context, Odedina stated.
Notably, he called to health authorities to properly educate the public on how to protect themselves and families from the disease.
Odedina maintained that fighting malaria in Nigeria may depend less on new drugs alone and more on prevention, public awareness, and stronger healthcare delivery systems.
“It is important to focus on preventive measures and to educate people about the need to adopt them to ensure that real progress is made in the fight against malaria,” he added.
(NAN)
