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.


2. Nearly half of the world’s population is at
risk of malaria (Approximately 3.2 billion
people are at risk of malaria)
Approximately 3.2 billion people are at risk
of malaria. In 2015, there were an estimated
214 million malaria cases and some 438 000
malaria deaths. Young children, pregnant
women and non-immune travellers from
malaria-free areas are particularly vulnerable
to the disease when they become infected.


3. Children under 5 are at high risk of
malaria; In 2015, about 305 000 African
children died before their fifth birthdays.
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. In 2015, about 305 000
African children died before their fifth
birthdays.


4. Since 2000, malaria mortality rates have
fallen globally by 60% among all age groups,
and by 65% among children under 5.
Increased malaria prevention and control
measures are dramatically reducing the
malaria burden in many places. Since 2000,
malaria mortality rates have fallen globally by
60% among all age groups, and by 65%
among children under 5.


5. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of
malaria prevents deaths
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria
reduces disease and prevents deaths. It also
contributes to reducing malaria transmission.
Access to diagnostic testing and treatment
should be seen not only as a component of
malaria control but as a fundamental right of
all populations at risk.


6. Emerging artemisinin resistance is a major
concern
Parasite resistance to artemisinin, the core
compound in WHO-recommended
combination treatments for uncomplicated
malaria, has been detected in 5 countries of
south east Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar,
Thailand and Viet Nam. However, artemisinin-
based combination therapies remain effective
in almost all settings, as long as the partner
drug in the combination is locally effective.


7. Sleeping under insecticide-treated
mosquito nets protects against malaria
Long-lasting insecticidal 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 are effective for
2-3 years, depending on the model and
conditions of use. Between 2000 and 2015,
the proportion of children sleeping under an
insecticide-treated net in sub-Saharan Africa
increased from less than 2% to approximately
68%.


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 insecticides kills the mosquito vector
and is effective for 3–6 months, depending
on the insecticide used and the type of
surface on which it is sprayed. Longer-lasting
forms of insecticides are under development.


9. Pregnant women are particularly at risk of
malaria
Pregnant women are at high risk of dying
from the complications of severe malaria.
Malaria is also a cause of spontaneous
abortion, premature delivery, stillbirth and
severe maternal anaemia, and is responsible
for about one third of 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.


10. Malaria causes significant economic
losses in high-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.


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