Here are some of the most significant facts on malaria - a fatal disease affecting millions every year. So brush up on your knowledge and spread the word!

Nearly half of the world’s population (40%) - approximately 3 billion people - is at risk of contracting malaria.

Malaria is spread to humans through bites from mosquitoes infected with a parasite.

In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria causing over 400,000 malaria-related deaths.

Africa is home to 92% of malaria cases and 93% of malaria-related deaths.

Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in children under 5, taking the life of a child practically every 2 minutes.

Pregnant women and their newborns are particularly vulnerable to malaria due to their low immunity levels. This is in part why most malaria deaths occur among these groups.

Without access to prevention and treatment measures, the impact of the infection can be long-term and life-threatening, including: anemia, coma, brain damage, loss of muscle function and death.

Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets are the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent the transmission of malaria. One bed net can protect 2 people for up to 3 years.

Globally, malaria control and elimination requires billions of dollars in investment and a concerted effort between governments, health care providers and communities coming together to create awareness, increase prevention and provide treatment.

Ending the Malaria epidemic worldwide by 2030 is a key objective within the UN Sustainable Development Goal #3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF MALARIA

You can join the global movement to end malaria by supporting Plan International Canada’s efforts to combat the epidemic and help make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable!

DONATE A BED NET

For just $10, one insecticide-treated bed net will help a child and a member of its family in Africa for up to 3 years.

SHOP NOW

END MALARIA BY 2030

For just $90, support the ongoing grand-scale fight on the small-scale level, peer to peer, woman to woman, community to community, coming together to prevent new infections, save lives.

SHOP NOW

Sources

• World Malaria Report 2018 (World Health Organization)
• World Health Organization – Malaria details
• Malaria in Africa (UNICEF)