What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It was once thought that the disease came from fetid marshes, hence the name mal aria (bad air). In 1880, scientists discovered the real cause of malaria: a one-cell parasite called plasmodium. Later they discovered that the parasite is transmitted from person to person through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito, which requires blood to nurture her eggs.

Link: World Health Organization Malaria page

Malaria Worldwide

• 300-500 million people contract malaria annually
• One million people die each year from malaria
• Every 30 seconds someone dies from malaria

Malaria in Africa

• 90% of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa
• 1 in 5 childhood deaths are caused by malaria
• Malaria is responsible for a 1.3% growth penalty per year in some African countries, due to loss in productivity
• Malaria costs Africa more than $12 billion in lost GDP every year

Source: Roll Back Malaria, President’s Malaria Initiative, The World Health Organization, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

International Medical Corps and Malaria

International Medical Corps is committed to rolling back malaria in the countries where the organization is operational, through treatment, prevention, and educational activities. International Medical Corps will integrate its anti-malaria programs into all primary health care services. International Medical Corps, in collaboration with host-country health authorities, has successfully introduced new malaria protocols and new drug combinations. International Medical Corps supplies many health centers while simultaneously building the capacity of health providers.