by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
In which form of malaria is the death rate highest?
ANSWER
The most dangerous form of malaria in people is Plasmodium falciparum. It causes the most severe symptoms (for example, “cerebral malaria”) and also the most deaths. It is widespread around the world, but most deaths due to P. falciparum (and in fact, all malaria) occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
How many in Africa have been affected by Malaria?
ANSWER
In 2010, there were approximately 174 million cases of malaria in Africa. However, some people may present with more than one case of malaria per year (especially young children), so the number of people affected is likely considerably lower. However, 90% of deaths from malaria occur in Africa, and 60% in just six countries: Nigeria, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Cote d’Ivoire and Mali. The good news is that malaria mortality has dropped by 33% in Africa since 2000, which is a very encouraging trend, though the aim of organizations such as Malaria No More is to fully eliminate deaths from malaria globally by 2015.
by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
About how many people in the world are affected, die and survive malaria?
ANSWER
It has been estimated that about 3.3 billion people, or close to half the world’s population, is at risk of malaria infection at least at some point during the year. However, preventative measures mean that many fewer actually contract malaria in a given year—still, there are an estimated 216 million cases of malaria every year; of these, about 655,000 patients die. Most of these in children under the age of five, and most in sub-Saharan Africa.
by Malaria Q&A
QUESTION
What is the estimated number of deaths in Africa caused by malaria each year?
ANSWER
The exact numbers of deaths caused by malaria every year is very difficult to measure accurately, due to difficulties in diagnosis and also failure to report cases. However, the Roll Back Malaria partnership, coordinated by a host of international organisations including the World Health Organisation, estimates that last year approximately 801,000 people died of malaria in Africa, which represents over 90% of the total annual worldwide deaths. Of those, the vast majority of victims were children under the age of five.