Facts on Malaria

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.
It can cause severe fevers, anemia, neurological damage, low birth weight and fetal death.
Infants and children under five, pregnant women and others with poor immune systems are the most likely to become gravely ill from malaria.
An estimated 3000 deaths per day are directly caused by malaria. Ninety percent of these deaths are in Africa.
Malaria related deaths are higher in areas of lower socioeconomic status. Poor families lack resources to prevent and treat this disease.
Due to poverty, war, climate, and drug resistance, Africa has the highest rate of malaria infection in the world.
Insecticide treated bed nets help protect pregnant women and children against infection. Studies show that regular use of insecticide treated bed nets reduces malaria related deaths by up to 25%.

Malaria prevention and treatment is one of the
United Nations Millennium Development Goals.