Kenya is among eight African nations expected to fast-track approval for a groundbreaking malaria drug tailored for babies and young children, marking a global first in the fight against the disease.
The drug, which goes by different brand names, including Riamet Baby in some regions, was recently approved in Switzerland, according to its manufacturer, Novartis.
The pharmaceutical company revealed on Tuesday that the newly approved formulation-Coartem Baby-is designed specifically for infants and young children.
It builds on the original Coartem launched in 1999 but now features a dosage suitable for newborns, according to Reuters. One of the unique features of the drug is that it dissolves easily-even in breast milk-and has a sweet cherry flavour, making it more palatable and easier to administer to infants.
