Malta Welcomes First Malaria Treatment for Infants

Imagine little Joseph, just a few months old, living in a small village in Gozo. His mother, like many Maltese parents, worries about the health of her child. Today, her worry might be a little less, thanks to a groundbreaking decision made thousands of miles away.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has just approved the first-ever malaria treatment for infants. This is big news, not just for the global health community, but for Malta too, with its strong ties to Africa and the Mediterranean, where malaria is still a threat.

Malaria, a disease spread by mosquitoes, is a global menace. According to the WHO, in 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases worldwide, with 627,000 deaths. Children under five and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable.

Malta, though malaria-free since the 1950s, is not immune to the threat. With our warm climate and frequent travel to and from malaria-endemic regions, the risk is always present. Malta’s commitment to global health and development means we’re at the forefront of efforts to combat this disease.

The WHO’s approval of the drug, artesunate, is a significant step forward. This is the first time a treatment has been approved specifically for infants under six months old. Previously, treatment was challenging due to the babies’ small body weight and the lack of suitable drugs.

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), the current gold standard for treating malaria, are not licensed for use in infants under six months due to safety concerns. Artesunate, however, has been found to be safe and effective in this age group.

Dr. Chandy John, a Maltese doctor working with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in Africa, welcomed the news. “This is a major breakthrough,” he said. “Malaria in infants is a silent killer. With this approval, we finally have a tool to save more lives.”

Malta’s commitment to global health is evident in its foreign policy and the work of its medical professionals abroad. The Maltese government has been a strong supporter of the WHO’s efforts to eliminate malaria by 2030.

Locally, the Malta Public Health Observatory monitors and responds to potential malaria cases. The University of Malta’s Institute of Infection and Immunity is also at the forefront of malaria research, contributing to the global effort to combat the disease.

Back in Gozo, little Joseph’s mother can rest a little easier knowing that if her child contracts malaria, there’s now a safe and effective treatment available. This is a testament to the power of global cooperation in health and the impact it can have, even on the smallest of lives.

The fight against malaria is far from over. But with this new tool in our arsenal, we’re one step closer to a world free from this deadly disease. As Malta continues to play its part in global health, let’s hope that soon, stories like Joseph’s will be a thing of the past.

For more information on how you can support the fight against malaria, visit the WHO’s malaria fact sheet and the MSF’s work on malaria.