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# Every year, malaria kills 1-2 million people and infects 300-500 million. 90% of deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is present in over 100 countries, threatening 40% of the world’s population.

# Malaria is caused by four species of Plasmodium protozoa (single-cell parasites): Plasmodium falciparum, vivax, ovale and malariae. Of the four species, Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for most deaths. The parasite transmission by Anopheline mosquitoes is affected by climate and geography, and is often highest during the rainy season.

# Symptoms of malaria include fever, shivering, pain in the joints, headaches, repeated vomiting, convulsions and coma. If left untreated, the disease - particularly that caused by P. falciparum - may progress to severe malaria and sometimes death.

# Malaria remains the first cause of death for children under five in Africa - it kills one child every thirty seconds worldwide. The disease also seriously affects children’s future: they may suffer neurological after-effects and impaired learning ability.

# Malaria not only cuts lives short but has a huge socio-economic impact: patients are often bedridden and incapable of carrying out normal daily activities. The disease causes considerable loss of income and places a heavy burden on families, health systems and society as a whole.