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Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable.
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In 2016, there were an estimated 216 million cases of malaria in 91 countries, an increase of 5 million cases over 2015.
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Malaria deaths reached 445 000 in 2016, a similar number (446 000) to 2015.
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The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2016, the region was home to 90% of malaria cases and 91% of malaria deaths.
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Total funding for malaria control and elimination reached an estimated US$ 2.7 billion in 2016. Contributions from governments of endemic countries amounted to US$ 800 million, representing 31% of funding.
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Fact 1: Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites that are spread to people through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquito vectors. Of the 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly.
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Fact 2: Nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria.
In 2016, there were an estimated 216 million cases of malaria in 91 countries, an increase of 5 million cases over 2015. Young children, pregnant women and non-immune travelers from malaria-free areas are particularly vulnerable to the diseases when they become infected.
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Fact 3: Children under 5 are at high risk of malaria.
In areas with high transmission of malaria, children under 5 are particularly susceptible to infection, illness and death. More than two thirds (70%) of all malaria deaths occur in this age group. Malaria deaths reached 445 000 in 2016, a similar number (446 000) to 2015.
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Fact 4: Malaria mortality rates are falling
Increased malaria prevention and control measures are dramatically reducing the malaria burden in many places. Since 2010, malaria mortality rates have fallen globally by 29% among all age groups, and by 35% among childreb under 5.
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Fact 5: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of malaria prevent deaths
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces diseases and deaths. It also contributes to reducing malaria transmisssion. Access to diagnostic testing and treatmet should be seen not only as a component of malaria control but as a fundamental right of all populations at risk.
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Fact 6: Emerging artemisinin resistance is a mojor concern.
Parasite resistance to artemisinin, the core compound in WHO-recommended combination treatments for uncomplicated malaria, has been detected in 5 countries in south east Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam. However, artemisinin-based combination therapeis remain effective in almost all settings, as long as the partner drug in the combination is locally effective.
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Fact 7: Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets protects against malaria.
Long-lasting insecticide nets provide personal protection against mosquito bites. They can be used as protection for people most at risk of malaria, such as young children and pregnant women in high malaria transmission areas. The nets nets are effective for 2-3 years, depending on the model and conditions of use. Between 2010 and 2015, there was an 80% increase in the use of insecticide-treated nets for all populations at risk of malariain sub-Saharan African by 80%.
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Fact 8: Indoor residual spraying is the most effective way to rapidly reduce malaria transmission.
The full potential of indoor residual spraying is obtained when at least 80% of houses in targeted areas are sprayed. Indoor spraying with insecticide used and the type of surface on which it is sprayed. Longer-lasting forms of insecticides are under development.
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Fact 9: Pregnant women are particularly at risk of malaria.
Pregnant women are at high risk of dying from the complication of severe malaria. Malaria is also a cause of spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth and severe maternal anaemia and is responsible for about about one third pf preventable low-birth-weight babies. For pregnant women living in moderate-to-high transmission areas, WHO recommends intermittent preventive treatment at each scheduled antenatal visit after the first trimester.
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Fact 10: Malaria causes significant economic loses in hugh-burden countries.
In high-burden settings, malaria can trap families and communities in a downward spiral of poverty, disproportionately affecting marginalized and poor people who cannot afford treatment or who have limited access to health care.
