TEN FACTS ABOUT MALARIA
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Nearly half of the world’s population (40%) – approximately 3 billion people – is at risk of contracting malaria.
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Malaria is spread to humans through bites from mosquitoes infected with a parasite.
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In 2019, there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria causing over 400,000 malaria-related deaths.
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Africa is home to 92% of malaria cases and 93% of malaria-related deaths.
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Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in children under 5, taking the life of a child practically every 2 minutes.
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Pregnant women and their newborns are particularly vulnerable to malaria due to their low immunity levels. This is in part why most malaria deaths occur among these groups.
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Without access to prevention and treatment measures, the impact of the infection can be long-term and life-threatening, including: anemia, coma, brain damage, loss of muscle function and death.
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Long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets are the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent the transmission of malaria. One bed net can protect 2 people for up to 3 years.
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Globally, malaria control and elimination requires billions of dollars in investment and a concerted effort between governments, health care providers and communities coming together to create awareness, increase prevention and provide treatment
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Ending the Malaria epidemic worldwide by 2030 is a key objective within the UN Sustainable Development Goal #3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.