Malaria is a disease caused by parasites which is still unfortunately common in the world. Although many people mistakenly believe malaria is the result of the virus or infection caused by bacteria it is actually attributable to a parasitic organism known as plasmodium falciparum. The life cycle of this organism is represented below.
Malaria is most present in the southern hemisphere especially in Africa. This is true for several reason. For one, the climate in the region is ideal for mosquitoes which serve as a vector which carry the parasite to humans. Another condition that makes Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, especially vulnerable is the poor infrastructure and high rates of poverty which characterize the region. There have been major global health initiatives to halt the spread of malaria in Africa including projects which distribute netting. The map below shows the prevalence of malaria throughout the world.
Malaria is one of the most serious health problems that affect the developing world. This parasitic organism places a high burden of disease on a region of the world which already struggles economically, politically, and in terms of health.
