Malaria originated in West and Central Africa and later spread worldwide. Approximately half of the world's population is at risk of contracting malaria, with most cases and deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria has had devastating impacts on global populations, causing up to 1 million deaths annually, especially among young children in Africa. Looking to the future, efforts are underway to develop vaccines and continue distributing mosquito nets, but climate change may allow malaria to spread into new regions.

1. December 15, 2010
MAL A RI A
S t u d y s h e e t
Origins Global Distribution Impacts on Population The Future
The Origins Of Malria
In 2700 BC, several characteristic symptoms of what would later be named malaria were described in the
Nei Ching, The Canon of Medicine) It is also assumed to have originated in West and Central Africa and
then spread all over the world as the worst killer disease ever suffered by mankind.
The Global Distribution Of Malaria
Approximately half of the world's population is at risk of malaria. Most malaria cases and deaths occur in
sub-Saharan Africa. However, Asia, Latin America, and to a lesser extent the Middle East and parts of
Europe are also affected. In 2008, malaria was present in 108 countries and territories.

2. December 15, 2010
MAL AR IA
The Impacts Malaria Has Had On Population
- Affects 40% of the world population.
- Malaria can decrease the population by as much as 1.3% in countries with high disease rates.
- In Africa a child dies every 45 seconds of Malaria, the disease accounts for 20% of all childhood deaths.
- In some heavy-burden countries, the disease accounts for:
- up to 40% of public health expenditures;
- 30% to 50% of inpatient hospital admissions;
- up to 60% of outpatient health clinic visits.
- 35 countries (30 in sub-Saharan Africa and 5 in Asia) account for 98% of global malaria deaths.
- WHO estimates that in 2008 malaria caused 190 - 311 million clinical episodes, and
708,000 - 1,003,000 deaths.
- 89% of worldwide deaths from malaria occur in Africa.
- Malaria is the 5th cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide (after respiratory infections,
HIV/AIDS, diarrheal diseases, and tuberculosis).
The Future Of Malaria
- Global climate change will allow falciparum malaria to spread into northern latitudes, including
Europe and large parts of the United States
- Larger countries will provide funding for aiding in the prevention of malaria
- Vaccinations will be available for the prevention of the disease.
- Mosquito nets can be issued in countries where the disease is prone.