Every year, millions of babies are born in Africa, many in places where malaria is common. Until recently, there was no medicine specifically for newborns with malaria. The new drug, Coartem Baby, has been approved for babies under five kilograms.
This approval is important, as many healthcare workers had to use medicine meant for older children. This could be dangerous for newborns. The new drug will provide safe treatment and address the needs of the most vulnerable patients.
Newborns were often excluded from drug studies because they are seen as complex. This delayed a safe and effective treatment for them.
Difficult words
- malaria — A serious disease spread by mosquitoes.malaria is
- medicine — A substance used to treat illness.medicine meant
- approved — Officially accepted or allowed.
- treatment — Care to help someone feel better.
- vulnerable — Easily harmed or hurt.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think newborns were often excluded from drug studies?
- How can new medicines help vulnerable groups in the future?
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