Global Statistics (2023)

• 263 million malaria cases globally (up from 252 million in 2022).

• 597,000 estimated deaths (slightly down from 600,000 in 2022).

• Over 50% of malaria deaths occurred in:

  • Nigeria – 30.9%

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo – 11.3%

  • Niger – 5.9%

  • United Republic of Tanzania – 4.3%

What is Malaria?

• A life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.

• Not contagious – it doesn’t spread from person to person.

• Can also be transmitted via:

  • Infected blood transfusions

  • Contaminated needles

 Malaria Parasite Species

• 5 types of Plasmodium parasites infect humans.

• Most dangerous:

  • P. falciparum – deadliest, most common in Africa.

  • P. vivax – most common outside sub-Saharan Africa.

• Other species: P. malariae, P. ovale, P. knowlesi

 Symptoms of Malaria

• Usually appear 10–15 days after being bitten.

• Early symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Chills

• Severe symptoms:

  • Extreme tiredness/fatigue

  • Impaired consciousness

  • Multiple convulsions

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Dark or bloody urine

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

  • Abnormal bleeding

 High-Risk Groups

• Infants and children under 5

• Pregnant women and girls

• Travellers to high-risk areas

• People with HIV or AIDS

Risks During Pregnancy

• Increased risk of:

  • Premature delivery

  • Low birth weight babies

  • Stillbirths

Impact Beyond Health

• Reduces school attendance

• Lowers work productivity

• Can affect intellectual development

 Urgency of Treatment

• Mild symptoms should be treated immediately.

• If left untreated, malaria can become life-threatening within 24 hours.

• Emergency care is vital for severe symptoms.

Prevention is Key

• Avoid mosquito bites by:

  • Sleeping under mosquito nets

  • Using repellents, coils, vaporizers

  • Wearing protective clothing

• Take prophylactic (preventative) medicine if you’re in or visiting high-risk areas.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)