Quick notes on the global problem of malaria

More than 2 billion people (about 40 per cent of the world's population) in 100 countries are at risk.

There are at least 300 million cases of acute malaria each year.

About 2.7 million people die from malaria each year, most of whom are children.

Other high-risk groups include pregnant women, non-immune travellers, refugees, displaced persons, or labour forces entering into endemic areas.

Countries in tropical Africa bear the brunt of malaria, accounting for more than 90 per cent of the 300 million annual cases of malaria.

Malaria is estimated to cost Africa more than US$12 billion annually.