Nearly half of the total world’s population are at risk of suffering from Malaria infection. By 2015, about 212 million malaria cases and an approximate 429,000 malaria deaths were reported.
Increased prevention and control measures have led to a 29% reduction in malaria mortality rates globally since 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2015, the region was home to 90% of malaria cases and 92% of malaria deaths.
1) Malaria is transmitted by parasite through bites from infected mosquitoes
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites that are spread to people through the bites of female Anopheles mosquito vectors. Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly parasite species causing malaria in humans.
2) Nearly half of the world’s population are at risk of malaria
In 2015, it was estimated that about 212 million cases and 490,000 deaths were reported.
Those that were mostly affected were young children, pregnant women and non-immune travellers from malaria-free regions.
3) Children under the age of 5 are at the highest risk
In areas with a high transmission of malaria, many deaths and illness reported are always for children falling under this age group.
More than two thirds(70%) of the malaria statistics reported worldwide always involve children under the age of five.
4) Malaria mortality are decreasing
With the increase in the prevention and curative measures, malaria infection
Since 2010, malaria mortality have reduced by 29% in all age groups and by 35% in children under the age of five.
5) Early diagnosis and treatment prevents death
Early detection and prompt treatment highly reduces malaria deaths and infection. It also reduces its transmission.
Getting access to diagnosis and treatment should no longer be taken just as a way to prevent malaria but as a fundamental right for everyone.
6) Sleeping under nets protects from malaria
Insecticidal-treated mosquito nets are very important in keeping the Anopheles mosquito from reaching you while you are sleeping.
These nets should be used by everyone and mostly those living in a malaria-prone zones.
7) The most effective way to reduce malaria spread is by using indoor residual spraying
This is a proven way to effectively deal with mosquito spread. But it works better when about 80% houses in targeted areas areas are sprayed.
This spraying kills mosquito vectors and can last for about 3-6 months depending on the insecticides used and the type of surface sprayed.
8) Pregnant women are also at risk of being infected
Pregnant women are also a category that are at a great risk of being infected by mosquito.
Malaria is also caused by premature delivery, spontaneous abortion,stillbirth and severe maternal aneamia and is the cause for about a third of the preventable low-birth-weight babies.