Malaria Facts and Figures

• 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 2018, there were an estimated 228 million cases of malaria in 90 countries
• Malaria deaths reached 405 000 in 2018.
• The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2018, the region was home to 94% of malaria cases and 93% of malaria deaths
• Nigeria accounted for 24% of all malaria cases in 2018
• 84% of patients suspected of having malaria were tested by an RDT or microscopy compared to 38% in 2010
• Children aged under 5 years are the most vulnerable group affected by malaria. In 2018, they accounted for 67% (272 000) of all malaria deaths worldwide.
• The economic impact of malaria is estimated to cost Africa $12 billion every year. This figure factors in costs of health care, absenteeism, days lost in education, decreased productivity and loss of investment and tourism.