A leading Nigerian health expert has welcomed the World Health Organisation’s approval of the first malaria treatment designed specifically for newborns and young infants, describing it as a major breakthrough for child healthcare in Nigeria and other malaria-endemic countries.
President of the Nigeria Biochemistry Practitioners Association, Ikotun Olayemi, said the development represents a significant advancement in both biochemistry and public health, particularly for infants weighing between two and five kilograms.
Speaking in Lagos ahead of the 2026 World Malaria Day, Olayemi said the WHO prequalification of the newborn-specific treatment marks a global milestone and reflects growing progress in precision medicine tailored to vulnerable populations.
He explained that until now, malaria treatments were largely designed for older children, exposing newborns to risks such as overdose toxicity and poor drug metabolism due to immature organs, especially the liver.
According to him, the new therapy offers safer and more effective treatment options for neonates, with the potential to significantly reduce malaria-related deaths in early life if properly adopted in countries such as Nigeria.
Olayemi also said the breakthrough creates new opportunities for Nigerian biochemists to contribute to research in drug metabolism, treatment monitoring, and complementary therapies using plant-based medicinal supplements.
He urged the WHO and the Nigerian government to work together to ensure the medicine is affordable and widely available, especially in rural clinics and primary healthcare centres.
The expert further called for expanded training for biochemists, pharmacists, and clinicians on neonatal dosing protocols to guarantee safe administration.
He described the treatment as scientifically sound and potentially lifesaving, while stressing the need for continued research, pharmacovigilance, and population-specific evaluation.
