🌍 Global Impact of Malaria
Malaria remains one of the most dangerous parasitic diseases affecting humans. It is transmitted in over 108 countries, putting nearly 3 billion people at risk worldwide.mode of transmission of malaria
Every year, an estimated 300–500 million clinical cases of malaria occur globally, resulting in almost 1 million deaths—mostly among children and pregnant women.
🧭 Regions Most Affected by Malaria
Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical zones, where climatic conditions favor mosquito breeding.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Accounts for about 85% of total malaria infections worldwide.
- South-East Asia Region (SEAR): Contributes to around 10% of global cases.
- Mediterranean Region: Makes up about 4% of infections.
🧫 Common Malaria Parasite Species
Among all species of Plasmodium parasites, Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread and has the broadest geographical distribution across the world.
It causes recurring infections and remains dormant in the liver for months, making eradication difficult.
👶 Who is Most at Risk?
- Children are more prone to malaria infection and severe complications due to weaker immunity.
- Newborns, however, have natural protection against Plasmodium falciparum malaria during the first few months of life due to high fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels.
⚠️ Factors That Increase Malaria Transmission
The spread of malaria is directly related to multiple environmental and biological factors:
- Density of the mosquito vector (mainly Anopheles species)
- Number of human bites per mosquito per day
- Time of mosquito bites (more active after dusk)
- Mosquito longevity – the insect must live more than 7 days for the parasite’s sporogony cycle (7–30 days) to complete
- Temperature: Optimum between 20°C and 30°C
- Humidity: Around 60% favors mosquito survival
- Rainfall: Increases breeding sites, especially between July to November
- Altitude: Malaria is common below 2,000 meters. read15 Amazing Human Biology Facts Everyone Should Know
🧩 Key Takeaway
Malaria continues to be a major global health problem, particularly in tropical regions. Understanding the factors affecting transmission and the regions at highest risk is essential for planning prevention and control strategies.
SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA
Pain areas: in the abdomen or muscles
Whole body: chills, fatigue, fever, night sweats, shivering, or sweating
Gastrointestinal: diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting
Also common: fast heart rate, headache, mental confusion, or pallor
