Multiple-Choice Questions on Swissmedic’s 2025 Malaria Drug Approval for Infants

1. What is the name of the Swiss medical authority that approved the malaria medicine for infants in July 2025?

A. SwissHealth
B. Swissmedic
C. MediSwiss
D. HealthCH

Correct Answer: B. Swissmedic

Explanation:Swissmedic, Switzerland’s medical products authority, approved the malaria medicine for infants on July 9, 2025. This is significant for social workers and social science students studying global health policies, as it highlights regulatory efforts to address child mortality in Africa.

2. Which pharmaceutical company developed the newly approved malaria medicine for infants?

A. Pfizer
B. Roche
C. Novartis
D. AstraZeneca

Correct Answer: C. Novartis

Explanation: Novartis, based in Basel, Switzerland, developed Coartem Baby, the first malaria medicine approved for infants weighing 2 to 5 kilograms. This development is crucial for social workers advocating for equitable healthcare access in malaria-endemic regions.

3. What is the target weight range for infants eligible for the newly approved malaria medicine?

A. 1 to 3 kilograms
B. 2 to 5 kilograms
C. 5 to 10 kilograms
D. 10 to 15 kilograms

Correct Answer: B. 2 to 5 kilograms

Explanation: The medicine is designed for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms (approximately 4½ to 11 pounds), addressing a critical gap in treatment for very young children. This is relevant for social science students analyzing pediatric healthcare disparities.

4. Why is Swissmedic’s approval of the malaria medicine significant?

A. It is the first approval for a malaria vaccine
B. It is the first malaria medicine approved for small infants
C. It bans malaria treatments in Africa
D. It is only for adults with malaria

Correct Answer: B. It is the first malaria medicine approved for small infants

Explanation: Swissmedic’s approval of Coartem Baby marks the first time a malaria medicine has been specifically approved for infants, addressing a long-standing treatment gap. This is vital for social workers focused on child health and equity in global health systems.

5. What percentage of global malaria deaths in 2023 occurred in Africa, according to WHO data?

A. 75%
B. 80%
C. 90%
D. 95%

Correct Answer: D. 95%

Explanation: In 2023, 95% of the estimated 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide occurred in Africa, with children under five being the most affected. This statistic underscores the importance of the new medicine for social workers addressing health crises in African communities.

6. How many African countries participated in the assessment of the new malaria medicine and are expected to approve it within 90 days?

A. Four
B. Six
C. Eight
D. Ten

Correct Answer: C. Eight

Explanation: Eight African countries, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, participated in the assessment and are expected to approve the medicine within 90 days. This collaborative effort is significant for social science students studying international health policy coordination.

7. What is the primary benefit of the new malaria medicine, Coartem Baby, for infants?

A. It prevents malaria entirely
B. It replaces vaccines for older children
C. It provides a safe and effective dose for infants
D. It is only used for severe malaria cases

Correct Answer: C. It provides a safe and effective dose for infants

Explanation: Coartem Baby is a lower-dose version of a previously approved tablet, designed to be safe and effective for infants, replacing the “suboptimal” practice of adjusting older children’s doses. This is critical for social workers advocating for safe pediatric treatments.

8. How does Novartis plan to distribute the new malaria medicine in malaria-endemic countries?

A. At a high profit margin
B. On a largely not-for-profit basis
C. Exclusively through private hospitals
D. Only through international donors

Correct Answer: B. On a largely not-for-profit basis

Explanation: Novartis plans to roll out Coartem Baby on a largely not-for-profit basis in malaria-endemic countries, enhancing access. This approach is relevant for social workers and social science students studying equitable drug distribution and global health ethics.

Relevance to Social Workers and Social Science Students

These MCQs focus on the Swissmedic approval of Coartem Baby, a groundbreaking malaria treatment for infants, addressing critical issues like child mortality, global health equity, and international health policy collaboration. These topics are essential for social workers and social science students working on health disparities, child welfare, and sustainable development in Africa, where malaria remains a leading cause of death among children.