Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Malaria - Statistics & Facts
Malaria is one of deadliest diseases in the world and disproportionately affects poorer and developing countries, especially in Africa. In 2021, the disease was the fourth leading cause of death in low-income countries worldwide, accounting for around 276 thousand deaths in these countries that year. Malaria is an infectious disease that is spread by female mosquitoes that are infected with Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of these female mosquitoes, causing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, vomiting, and headache. Symptoms usually appear 8 to 25 days after infection and although they may seem mild at first, if not treated, can become more severe and eventually lead to death. Malaria is often associated with poverty and has disproportionately affected poorer and developing countries in Africa. In 2023, the leading 20 countries worldwide based on the number of new malaria cases were all located in Africa. Malaria not only causes the loss of human life in these countries, but is also responsible for great economic loss in the form of decreased work force, increased health care costs and lower rates of tourism.
