Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite that is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Around half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria and there were around 240 million cases in 2008. Most cases (around 85%) and deaths (~ 90%) are in the low-income nations of sub- Saharan Africa (the five main contributors to global deaths are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda), although Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Europe are also affected. Malaria is the fifth highest cause of death from infectious diseases globally and second in Africa, after HIV/AIDS. In 2006, malaria was present in 109 countries and territories, and in the future coverage may expand further as climate change allows mosquitoes and the parasite to colonise new areas
Publication year
2010
Authors
Dharani N; Rukunga G; Yenesew A; Mbora A M; Mwaura L; Dawson I A K; Jamnadass, R.
Language
English
Keywords
malaria, medicinal plants, shrubs, trees
