Malaria is one of the most common diseases in the world - it is also one of the most deadly. According to the WHO, approximately half of the global population is at risk for malaria infection. Once infected, symptoms can be serious and, in about 20% of cases, are fatal. Approximately, 660,000 deaths are caused by malaria each year, about 91% of these occur in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 85%, of these deaths occur in children.  

Malaria is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which carry the Plasmodium parasite. The disease is highly transmissible, and is spread by five different species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans.

This module summarizes the causes of malaria, including a brief description of the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite and a brief description of symptoms and outcomes in adults and children who have become infected with malaria. We then examine environmental factors that influence the incidence of malaria and measures to control it. It will also summarize issues regarding the development of drug resistance in Plasmodium and pesticide resistance in mosquitoes. The module concludes with an outlook on possibility of eradication and future means of prevention and control.