Understanding Malaria: Prevention and Treatment

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. In 2022, there were an estimated 249 million cases of malaria worldwide. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2022, the Region was home to 94% of malaria cases and 95% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria; in 2022, they accounted for nearly 80% of all malaria deaths in the WHO African Region. Key interventions to control malaria include: insecticide-treated mosquito nets, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women and infants, and effective case management.