Malaria and Impact on Society

QUESTION

Where malaria is occurring, and what is the impact on society?

ANSWER

Malaria takes a huge toll, personally as well as in the larger society.  It has been estimated that malaria costs Africa $12 billion USD every year, including the cost of health care, days off school and work, decreased productivity, and loss of investment and tourism. Malaria in Africa slows economic growth and development and perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty. Malaria is truly a disease of poverty — afflicting primarily the poor who tend to live in malaria-prone rural areas in poorly-constructed dwellings that offer few, if any, barriers against mosquitoes. Close to a million people die each year from malaria; over 90% of those live in Africa, and the great majority (86%) are children under five years of age.