What is malaria ?

Malaria is a disease that causes high temperatures, vomiting, tiredness and headaches. This disease is caused by a parasite, a microscopic creature that lives inside the human body and also in mosquitoes. That’s what’s special about malaria: this disease is transmitted to humans when they are bitten by certain female mosquitoes.

Do all mosquitoes transmit malaria?

No, the parasite is only present in certain countries and mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Half of the world’s population is at risk and malaria kills around 400,000 people a year. Malaria can be cured if treated early, but is a killer without medical treatment. Moreover, it is especially dangerous for children under 5 and pregnant women. Scientists are working on a vaccine but unfortunately, the results are not conclusive yet. Today, mosquito nets with insecticide is the best way to stop the disease spreading. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of people sleeping under mosquito nets has nearly doubled. And the number of deaths by malaria has dropped by 30%. But that’s not enough. The worst hit countries are the poorest. The World Health Organization believes that malaria can be eliminated by giving financial aid to the worst hit countries.