At the Swart Foundation, we are committed to raising awareness and fighting Malaria. Below, we answer the most common questions about this life-threatening but preventable disease.
Most common questions answered:
❓ What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, the parasite travels to the liver, multiplies, and then attacks red blood cells.
There are several species of the parasite, but Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous and causes the majority of malaria-related deaths.
Malaria is preventable and treatable, yet it still affects hundreds of millions annually—especially in regions with limited access to healthcare and prevention tools.
📉 How Many People Die from Malaria Each Year?
According to the World Health Organization, more than 600,000 people die from malaria every year. The vast majority of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and most victims are children under the age of 5.
This heartbreaking figure highlights the critical need for expanded access to prevention tools, early diagnosis, and effective treatment — especially in vulnerable communities.
💡 How Can You Get Malaria?
You can get the disease when bitten by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes carry Plasmodium parasites, which enter your bloodstream through the bite. Once in the body, the parasites multiply in the liver before attacking red blood cells.
Important to know:
- The disease is not spread through casual contact, food, or water.
- You cannot catch it like a cold or flu.
🌍 How Is Malaria Spread?
The disease is spread through mosquito bites—specifically from female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium parasites. These mosquitoes typically bite between dusk and dawn.
🔄 How Is Malaria Transmitted?
Transmission occurs when an infected mosquito bites a person and injects the malaria parasite through its saliva.
Other, less common forms of transmission include:
- From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (congenital malaria)
- Through blood transfusions or organ transplants
- Via shared needles or syringes
💉 Is There a Vaccine for Malaria?
Yes. Two vaccines are now approved:
- RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) – the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- R21/Matrix-M – a newer vaccine with strong results in trials and early rollout phases
These vaccines are part of a broader prevention strategy that includes mosquito nets, insect repellents, and antimalarial drugs.
🤒 What Are the Symptoms of Malaria?
Symptoms usually begin 10–15 days after infection. Common signs include:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Sweating and fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- In severe cases: confusion, seizures, or death
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications and save lives.
📚 Explore More on SwartFoundation.org
Continue learning and get involved through these related pages on our site:
- 🎓 Preventing Malaria: Global Efforts and the Path Forward
- 🎓 Ideas and Breakthroughs
- 🤝 Become part of our community
- 🤝 Volunteer or Partner with Us
Join the Fight Against Malaria
At the Swart Foundation, we work toward a malaria-free world by supporting education, prevention, and access to care in vulnerable communities. Your support helps save lives.