I had to look it up.- but not recommended for severe malaria. If I assume severe pneumonia is like severe malaria, HCQ is better. For everyone else, mefloquine might be an alternative.  Mefloquine, sold under the brand names Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is typically started before potential exposure and continued for several weeks after potential exposure. It can be used to treat mild or moderate malaria but is not recommended for severe malaria. It is taken by mouth.