Current Affairs - Science

Switzerland, through its medical authority Swissmedic, approved the world’s first malaria medicine for infants weighing between 2 and 5 kilograms on July 9, 2025. This groundbreaking approval was for a drug developed by Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company based in Basel. The approval was granted under a fast-track process in partnership with the World Health Organisation to ensure quicker access in developing countries. The new treatment targets vulnerable infants who previously relied on less suitable medications adjusted from those made for older children. This is especially significant for Africa, where infant malaria remains a leading cause of child mortality.

Coartem is the first-ever malaria drug that has been approved for use specifically in newborns and very young children, marking a significant milestone in the fight against malaria. Developed by Novartis, this drug received approval from Swiss authorities and aims to reduce the high mortality rate of malaria among infants, particularly in Africa, where the majority of malaria-related deaths occur. In 2023 alone, malaria caused over half a million deaths worldwide, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatments like Coartem to protect the most vulnerable populations.

Scientists from France’s national blood agency, Établissement Français du Sang (EFS), discovered a completely new blood group system named EMM-negative. This new type has been officially recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The discovery was made after identifying the rare blood type in a woman from Guadeloupe, leading to the colloquial name “Gwada negative.” This marks a significant advancement in haematology and could have important implications for blood transfusions and compatibility testing in the future.

AIIMS Mangalagiri organized an awareness rally on June 19, 2025, in Andhra Pradesh to observe World Sickle Cell Day. The event was held in collaboration with the Departments of Health, Family Welfare, and Tribal Welfare. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, particularly in tribal communities where the prevalence is higher. Key officials and community members participated in the event, emphasizing a unified commitment toward eliminating the genetic disorder by 2047 under India’s National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission. AIIMS Mangalagiri’s active engagement demonstrates its pivotal role in public health education and tribal outreach.

The parasitic wasp species 'Losgna Occidentalis' was discovered in Chandigarh, highlighting the region's unexplored biodiversity. Belonging to the Ichneumonidae family (Darwin wasps), these insects play a crucial role in biological pest control by laying eggs in or on other arthropods. This discovery underscores the importance of further research into India's diverse ecosystems, as many species remain undocumented. Chandigarh's urban and semi-urban habitats may host more such unique species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts even in developed areas to maintain ecological balance and natural pest management systems.