Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. Recent progress shows that together, we can put a stop to the unnecessary malaria deaths worldwide.

It is no coincidence that countries plagued by malaria also experience extreme poverty. Malaria is considered to be both a cause and consequence of poverty because of its impact on the health and economic growth of nations as well as individuals.

Malaria endemic countries suffer from undeveloped markets because traders are unwilling to invest in these areas. Tourism is crippled by this disease because travellers are just as reluctant to visit these countries.

• The direct economic cost to Africa’s economy is USD 12 billion a year
• The gross domestic product (GDP) can decrease by as much as 1.3% in countries with high levels of malaria transmission

Malaria disproportionately affects the individuals who cannot afford treatment or have limited access to health care. As a result, poorer families and communities become trapped in a cycle of poverty.