Malaria is endemic in over 100 countries, with most infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and Latin America. 90 per cent of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa.¹

The disease is transmitted by female members of the Anopheles mosquito family, which feed on human blood. Many myths persist about malaria and the illness is often attributed to other factors associated with the seasons, spiritual beliefs and diet. The initial symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, malaise, fatigue, nausea, muscular pains and mild diarrhoea. Infection can rapidly progress, leading to more severe symptoms, including delirium and convulsions, followed by coma and death.

People living in areas permanently affected by malaria develop a partial immunity to the illness. In such individuals, infection leads to illness and inability to work or attend school, but it is unlikely to prove fatal. Young children do not yet have such partial immunity, while pregnant women lose whatever immunity they had, leaving them vulnerable to the worst affects of the disease. That’s why most malaria deaths are in children under five years and in pregnant women.

Recent economic research shows that malaria slows economic growth in Africa by up to 1.3 per cent each year.² Malaria related illnesses and mortality cost Africa’s economy alone US$12 billion per year.³

The disease can be prevented by controlling the breeding of malaria carrying mosquitoes and using low-cost measures such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets. It can be treated effectively too, using inexpensive drugs at the correct dose for the right length of time.

GSK is committed to playing a significant role in improving the health of communities affected by malaria. Firstly, we carry out ongoing research into new medicines and malaria vaccines. Secondly, we adopt preferential pricing of antimalarials in the world’s least developed countries and all sub-Saharan African countries. Thirdly, the GSK African Malaria Partnership (AMP) funds community investment activities aimed at reducing the incidence and mortality associated with malaria.

¹ World Malaria Report 2011

² The Intolerable Burden of Malaria: A New Look at the Numbers: Supplement to Volume 64(1) of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Breman JG, Egan A, Keusch GT, editors.

³ Northbrook (IL): American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene;