Reveal The Facts: Malaria

1. Is it true that all mosquitoes transmit malaria?

Yes

No

Actually, no. Only certain species of mosquitoes from the Anopheles genus can transmit malaria. And only a bite from a female Anopheles mosquito can transmit the parasite (called a Plasmodium) that causes malaria.

Source: World Health Organization: Malaria Q&A 2014

Explanation

Actually, no. Only certain species of mosquitoes from the Anopheles genus can transmit malaria. And only a bite from a female Anopheles mosquito can transmit the parasite (called a Plasmodium) that causes malaria.

Source: World Health Organization: Malaria Q&A 2014

2. Malaria has a huge impact on Africa's economy. What do you think the cost of malaria-related illnesses and fatalities is per year in Africa?

$120 million

$4 billion

$12 billion

Malaria-related illnesses costs Africa $12 billion per year. Not all adult cases of malaria are fatal but the disease continues to take its toll on Africa’s economy.

Source: GSK.com: The facts about malaria

Explanation

Malaria-related illnesses costs Africa $12 billion per year. Not all adult cases of malaria are fatal but the disease continues to take its toll on Africa’s economy.

Source: GSK.com: The facts about malaria

3. Malaria is a preventable disease and mortality rates are declining. But what was the global %-reduction in malaria deaths between 2000 and 2013?

16%

47%

61%

Malaria mortality rates between 2000 and 2013 have decreased by an estimated 47% globally and by 54% in sub-Saharan Africa – the region most affected by the disease.

Source: World Health Organization: World Malaria Report 2014

Explanation

Malaria mortality rates between 2000 and 2013 have decreased by an estimated 47% globally and by 54% in sub-Saharan Africa – the region most affected by the disease.

Source: World Health Organization: World Malaria Report 2014

4. Malaria's impact on children's education is significant.On average, how many days of school absence does malaria account for each year?

3 million days

5 million days

10 million days

In total, malaria accounts for 10 million days of school absence every year. In areas where it is endemic, 60% of children are affected by absenteeism due to malaria.

Sources:
GSK.com: The facts about malaria
A World at School: World Malaria Day 2014

Explanation

In total, malaria accounts for 10 million days of school absence every year. In areas where it is endemic, 60% of children are affected by absenteeism due to malaria.

Sources:
GSK.com: The facts about malaria
A World at School: World Malaria Day 2014

5. As part of our fight against malaria, how many mosquitoes are bred each week to support our malaria vaccine research and development programme?

200

2,000

2 million

Around 2,000 mosquitos are bred each week. Having our own mosquito colony allows us to study how the insects become infected with the Plasmodium parasite, helping us to develop more effective compounds to fight malaria.

Source: GSK.com: Can mosquitoes prevent malaria?

Explanation

Around 2,000 mosquitos are bred each week. Having our own mosquito colony allows us to study how the insects become infected with the Plasmodium parasite, helping us to develop more effective compounds to fight malaria.

Source: GSK.com: Can mosquitoes prevent malaria?