Phase II Artesunate Study in Severe Malaria

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 intravenous artesunate dosing regimens (2.4 mg/kg initially and at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours or 4.0 mg/kg initially and at 24 and 48 hours) in clearing P. falciparum parasites in children with severe malaria. Secondary objectives include: * To compare the tolerability and safety of the 2 intravenous artesunate dosing regimens. * To evaluate differences in the pharmacokinetic profile of intravenous artesunate by patient age and clinical presentation.