CareOne Clinics Blog

2025 05 02

13 Comments

Malaria: Understanding the Disease That Still Threatens Millions

Introduction

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease that has burdened humanity for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations. Despite advancements in medicine and public health, malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable populations. Globally, it is estimated that over 240 million people are infected each year, with more than 600,000 deaths — the majority among children under five and pregnant women.

The persistence of malaria is not just a failure of health systems; it is a reflection of deeper issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental vulnerability. This article delves into the biology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and public health dimensions of malaria, with a special focus on its significant burden in Nigeria and the broader global efforts aimed at elimination.

What Causes Malaria?

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which primarily bite between dusk and dawn. There are five known Plasmodium species that cause malaria in humans:

Plasmodium falciparum – the most deadly and prevalent species in Africa.
Plasmodium vivax – more common in Asia and Latin America; capable of relapsing months or years after initial infection due to dormant liver stages.
Plasmodium ovale – similar to P. vivax, found mostly in West Africa.
Plasmodium malariae – less common but capable of causing chronic infection.
Plasmodium knowlesi – a zoonotic species found in Southeast Asia, known for rapid replication and potential severity.

Pathophysiology: How Malaria Affects the Body

The life cycle of Plasmodium is complex and involves two hosts: the mosquito and the human. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects sporozoites into the bloodstream. These travel to the liver and mature into merozoites, which are then released into the blood where they invade red blood cells (RBCs), multiply, and destroy them.

This cyclical destruction of RBCs causes classic symptoms like:

Recurrent fever
Chills and rigors
Fatigue
Jaundice (from hemolysis)

In severe cases, the parasite can sequester in small blood vessels, particularly in the brain (cerebral malaria), lungs, kidneys, or placenta, leading to life-threatening complications such as:

Seizures and coma
Acute respiratory distress
Renal failure
Severe anemia
Hypoglycemia

Risk Factors

Several factors increase susceptibility to malaria:

Age: Children under 5 are most vulnerable due to immature immune systems.
Pregnancy: Hormonal and immune changes increase susceptibility, with risks for both mother and fetus.
Travelers and migrants: Those from non-endemic areas lack acquired immunity.
Living conditions: Poor housing, stagnant water, and lack of protective nets enhance exposure.
Immune suppression: HIV/AIDS and other immunocompromising conditions increase risk.
Geography and climate: Rainy seasons, humid environments, and rural settings see higher transmission.

Clinical Presentation

The incubation period typically ranges from 7–30 days, depending on the species. Common symptoms include:

Fever (cyclical or irregular)
Chills and profuse sweating
Headaches and body aches
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Jaundice (in moderate to severe cases)
Mental confusion, seizures, or coma (in cerebral malaria)

Malaria symptoms can mimic other tropical diseases like typhoid fever or dengue, making clinical suspicion and confirmation essential.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and control. Diagnostic methods include:

Microscopy: Examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears remains the gold standard for species identification and parasite density.
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Detect specific antigens; useful in remote or resource-limited settings.
PCR Testing: Highly sensitive and specific, primarily used in research or complex cases.
Serological Tests: Indicate past exposure but not active infection.

Medical Management

Uncomplicated Malaria

First-line treatment: WHO recommends Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), combining fast-acting artemisinin with a longer-acting partner drug to reduce resistance risk.

Examples include:
- Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem)
- Artesunate-amodiaquine
- Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine
Chloroquine: Still used in certain areas for P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae where resistance is low.

Severe Malaria

Requires hospitalization and intensive care. Treatment involves:

Intravenous artesunate (preferred) or quinine
Management of complications (e.g., oxygen therapy, dialysis, transfusions)
Monitoring for hypoglycemia, acidosis, and seizures

Special Populations

Pregnant women: Treated with quinine and clindamycin or ACTs in the second/third trimester.
Infants and children: Require weight-based dosing and close monitoring.
Drug-resistant regions: Resistance mapping guides treatment modifications.

Prevention Strategies

1. Vector Control

Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs): Highly effective in reducing transmission; mass distribution campaigns have saved millions of lives.
Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Effective in high-transmission areas when implemented consistently.
Environmental Control: Larval source management—eliminating breeding grounds like stagnant water—helps reduce mosquito populations.

2. Chemoprophylaxis

Recommended for travelers, pregnant women, and high-risk groups in endemic areas. Common agents:

Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
Mefloquine
Doxycycline

3. Vaccination

RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix): First WHO-approved malaria vaccine, targeting P. falciparum in young children.
R21/Matrix-M: A promising new vaccine showing higher efficacy in trials, expected to scale up in 2025–2026.
Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions in human history. To learn more, visit: https://careoneclinics.com/blog/54

4. Health Education and Community Engagement

Raising awareness about mosquito avoidance and early treatment-seeking behavior.
Involvement of local leaders, schools, and media in health promotion.

Malaria in Nigeria: The Epicenter of Global Burden

Nigeria bears the highest malaria burden globally, contributing nearly one-third of all global malaria deaths. The disease remains entrenched in every part of the country, with rural communities suffering disproportionately.

Challenges

Weak health infrastructure and poor access in rural areas
High resistance rates to insecticides and some antimalarials
Insufficient funding and reliance on donor support
Climate change expanding the malaria belt

Ongoing Interventions

The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) spearheads efforts with support from international partners:

Mass distribution of over 150 million ITNs since 2010
Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in the Sahel region, targeting children during peak transmission
Expansion of RDT use and community case management
Pilot vaccine introduction and monitoring of resistance patterns

Global Response and Progress

The fight against malaria is backed by global alliances aiming for elimination:

WHO Global Technical Strategy (2016–2030)

90% reduction in case incidence and mortality
Elimination in at least 35 countries by 2030
Strong focus on surveillance and innovation

Key Global Actors

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI)
Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership
UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance

Innovative Approaches

Gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR) to reduce mosquito fertility
Digital surveillance platforms to detect and respond to outbreaks in real-time
Next-generation vaccines in development to target multiple parasite stages

Conclusion

Malaria is far more than a mosquito-borne infection—it is a disease of inequity. It undermines economic development, burdens healthcare systems, and steals futures. Yet, it is also a preventable and treatable disease, with the tools to end it within our reach.

In Nigeria, winning the battle against malaria will mean strengthening primary healthcare, improving access to clean environments, and sustaining funding and research. On a global level, solidarity, innovation, and political commitment must drive us forward.

Malaria is a centuries-old foe — but one that can be defeated in our lifetime.

What You Can Do

Sleep under a treated net every night
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home
Visit a clinic at the first sign of fever
Advocate for better malaria policies in your community
Support global and national efforts toward elimination

Sources:

World Health Organization, World Malaria Report 2023
Nigeria National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership
The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Malaria Vaccine Updates
UNICEF and WHO Joint Statements on Malaria Prevention

Tags : Prevention , Preventable Diseases , Equity , Access , Funding , Quality of Life , Health Goals , Malaria , Sustainable Development Goals , how to prevent malaria , how to treat malaria , mosquito

Comment 13

Rachelle Hollie

October 24, 2025, 10: 07 PM

I want to thank Dr Osato for curing me from HSV-2 with his herbal medication. All the symptoms of herpes are completely gone from my body and it's been over 3yrs now since i got cured from herpes with Dr Osato herbal medicine and my result still shows Negative, my doctor confirmed with me that I am totally cleared from HSV-2. I just want to let you all know that Dr Osato herbs cure HSV-1&2 completely from the body and you can contact him to get the herbal cure if you are suffering from HIV/AIDS, HERPES-1 & 2, HPV AND CANCER. You can contact Dr Osato on his email: [email protected] or WhatsApp him on +2347051705853 to get the herbal product and get rid of the virus completely from your body. Dr Osato is real and a great herbalist who can help you from your illness. His website is https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com or you can message him on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Osato-Herbal-Cure-106002928040920

Jackson Daves

November 28, 2025, 9: 23 AM

DR AZIBA HERBAL MEDICINE is the natural male support formula designed to take your sexual performance to another level. This is the formula designed to combat against all sexual complications and erectile dysfunction. The supplement promotes healthy production of testosterone hormone in body that increases sexual desires and endurance, while helping you to perform harder and longer on bed. It reduces the fatigue levels and sexual decline caused due to aging and optimizes the sexual drives and arousal levels for peak performance on bed. DR AZIBA HERBS even focuses on increasing your circulation of blood across penile chambers. This increment in the circulation widens the blood vessels for increased holding capacity and this treats the root cause of ED in males. It reduces your fatigue levels and allows you to last longer with intense orgasms and better sexual drives. It also maximizes your sexual climax by allowing you to hold your ejaculation longer when performing on bed. Get in contact with DR AZIBA via Email:( [email protected] ) And WhatsApp him directly on ( +2348100368288 )

ken mike

December 14, 2025, 5: 10 PM

My heart is so filled with joy. If you are suffering from Erectile dysfunction or any other disease you can contact Dr. Moses Buba on this [email protected] or His website : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559577240930

Laura Paola

December 28, 2025, 5: 41 AM

I’m overjoyed to share my incredible journey with the amazing spell caster, Dr Peter, who helped me reunite with my boyfriend. My relationship was facing numerous challenges, and things got so bad that we ended up breaking up. I was heartbroken. I loved him more than anything. I cried endlessly until a friend of mine, who has a perfect relationship, shared her story and introduced me to the wonderful Dr Peter. He reassured me that everything would be fine and that no relationship is flawless, but he would help me fix mine. He guided me with specific steps, which I followed, and just 24 hours later, my boyfriend returned to me. I’m beyond thrilled! Thank you so much, Dr Peter! I’m leaving his contact information here so you can also benefit from his incredible work: You can reach him on WhatsApp. +2348162247974 Email. [email protected] Read more on his website drpeterspellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site-1

Laura Paola

December 28, 2025, 5: 41 AM

Belinda Hicks

December 30, 2025, 3: 59 PM

Hello friends, I want to express my deepest thanks to DR PETER for bringing back my husband who left me for almost 2 years. I felt like my life was over, but after finding many testimonials about DR PETER’s help online, I decided to give it a try. I contacted him, and he was very kind and supportive. He started a love spell, and within 48 hours, my husband called, apologized, and begged to come back. Now, we are happily married again. I am the happiest woman on earth thanks to DR PETER. You can contact him via email at [email protected] or on WhatsApp at +2348162247974 Blog: https://drpeterspellcaster.blogspot.com/ Website: drpeterspellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site-1 https://drpeterspellcaster.mystrikingly.com/

ALARNA ULLAH

January 04, 2026, 10: 48 PM

There’s a lot of stigma attached to cold sores, as well as many misconceptions. For example, herpes is typically thought of as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but the type that causes cold sores is often transmitted in childhood through close skin-to-skin contact. One older study found more than 25 percent of kids are infected by age 7, Reports also show 1 in 10 people in the USA is infected with this virus. After reviewing and placing an order through https://herbalistrazorherb.wixsite.com/drrazorherbalhome I was able to Get My 8 year old Son cured through Natural Medicine from Herbalist Dr Razor . His contact Email Address : [email protected] . Telephone or whatsapp +2349065420442. THANKS ALOT FOR SAVING MY CHILD .

magriet dennis

January 14, 2026, 7: 56 AM

Get rid of all kinds of Herpes and virus infections, Diabetes, Hepatitis A B C, Menopause and HIV with Natural Roots and Herbs, i was once infected with HERPES and after using Dr UMA Herbal Medicine for couple of weeks i couldn't trace it anymore, i even went for checkup and my test came out Negative. Get your cure today from this wonderful herbalist, Dr. UMA. You can also reach doctor UMA on WhatsApp +2347035619585 or Email [email protected].

Olivia Thompson

January 14, 2026, 10: 52 AM

Am so excited to share my testimony of a real spell caster who brought my husband back to me. My husband and I have been married for about 6yrs now. We were happily married with two kids, 3 months ago, I started to notice some strange behavior from him and a few weeks later I found out that my husband is seeing someone else. I became very worried and I needed help. I did all I could to save my marriage but it fail until a friend of mine told me about the wonderful work of Dr Jakuta I contacted him and he assured me that after 24hrs everything will return back to normal, to my greatest surprise my husband came back home and went on his knees was crying begging me for forgiveness I’m so happy right now. Thank you so much Dr Jakuta because ever since then everything has returned back to normal. One message to him today can change your life too for the better. You can contact him via WhatsApp +2349161779461 or Email : doctorjakutaspellcaster24@gmail. com

Rose C Moss

January 14, 2026, 11: 59 AM

Powerful Herbal treatment is 100% guarantee for HSV cure, the reason why most people are finding it difficult to cure HSV 1 or 2 is because they believe on medical report, drugs and medical treatments which is not helpful to cure HSV and hasn't proved any sign of helping. Natural roots/herbs are the best remedy which can easily eradicate herpes forever. I never believed it until I was helped and cured of my 16 months genital herpes with natural herbal medicines from Dr Sikies. Where other medical prescribed drugs and treatments failed, Dr Sikies natural herbs helped saved me from Genital herpes permanently and I’m so grateful for this. You can also get help from this great and powerful Herbalist Dr Sikies by reaching himon Email: [email protected] / WhatsApp +2348163430143 website to make order now : https://drsikiesherbalcuremedicine.weebly.com/

Belinda Hicks

January 21, 2026, 10: 28 AM

Hello friends, I want to express my deepest thanks to DR PETER for bringing back my husband who left me for almost 2 years. I felt like my life was over, but after finding many testimonials about DR PETER’s help online, I decided to give it a try. I contacted him, and he was very kind and supportive. He started a love spell, and within 48 hours, my husband called, apologized, and begged to come back. Now, we are happily married again. I am the happiest woman on earth thanks to DR PETER. You can contact him via email at [email protected] or on WhatsApp at +2348162247974 Blog: drpeterspellcaster.blogspot.com/ Website: drpeterspellcaster.wixsite.com/my-site-1

Britney

January 22, 2026, 1: 37 AM

NATURAL HERBS IS THE REAL DEAL IN CURING HERPES-1&2, HIV/AIDS, HPV AND CANCER...Contact Dr Osato to get the natural herbs to cure yourself from that horrible disease/virus. I got the herbs from Dr Osato and I made use of it with the instructions he gave to me on how to use the natural herbal product, after usage I went for a checkup and my result was Negative and all the symptoms of herpes completely gone from my body. I was cured from Herpes-1&2 after using Dr Osato natural herbal medicine. You can contact Dr Osato on his email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +2347051705853 to get the herbal medicine from him and his website is https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com

Dr. Ayo Christopher

January 22, 2026, 10: 59 AM

I am Dr. Ayo Christopher, I am a Great traditional Herbal Medicine Doctor. I specialize in treating any kind of diseases and infections using Herbs Medicine. I have the Herbal Cure for Diabetes, Virginal infection, Genital, Gonorrhea, warts virus infections, Leukemia, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Menopause, Hepatitis A B C and HIV and other deadly infections. I have treated more than 20 patients that have Herpes (HSV 2) and all of them were cured. My herbal medicine is 100% safe, there are no side effects and You will start seeing clear results as early as 7 days. If you have been taking conventional medicines for that Herpes infection and you are still having those re-occurring outbreaks, why don’t you try Herbal Medicines and see it get cured in weeks. For more information, send me an Email: [email protected] Telegram: @wafri01 websitehttps: https://ridvid8.wixsite.com/dr-ayo-herbs-home/about-5