**Part 1**

**Introduction and Biology of Malaria** 

**1** 

*Nigeria* 

**Malaria, a Pending Problem** 

*Department of Zoology, Parasitology Unit, Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos,* 

Human Malaria is still a serious problem in sub-Saharan Africa and the risk exists throughout the region. It is a real fact that most malaria cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. This region has some of the poorest countries of the world with 90% of deaths occurring (approximately 3,000 deaths each day) [1]**.** The disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropics. It is the most important and

In 2008, there were 247 million cases of malaria and nearly one million deaths – mainly among children living in sub-Saharan Africa [3]. A child dies every 45 second as a result of malaria, the disease accounts for 20% of all childhood deaths [3]. Malaria kills 3,000 children

In sub-Saharan Africa, many households, even children are familiar with malaria, where it

• **Young children** in stable transmission areas who have not yet developed protective

• **Non-immune pregnant women** are at risk as malaria causes high rates of miscarriage

• **Semi-immune pregnant women** in areas of high transmission. Malaria can result in miscarriage and low birth weight, especially during the first and second pregnancies. An estimated 200 000 infants die annually as a result of malaria infection during pregnancy. • **Semi-immune HIV-infected pregnant women** in stable transmission areas are at increased risk of malaria during all pregnancies. Women with malaria infection of the

• **International travelers from non-endemic areas** are at high risk of malaria and its

• **Immigrants from endemic areas and their children** living in non-endemic areas and returning to their home countries to visit friends and relatives are similarly at risk

(up to 60% in *P. falciparum* infection) and maternal death rates of 10–50%.

placenta also have a higher risk of passing HIV infection to their newborns. • **People with HIV/AIDS** are at increased risk of malaria disease when infected.

It exacts a heavy toll of illness and death on children and pregnant women [2].

every day in sub-Saharan Africa—that is, a million a year [4].

has a reputation of causing teeth chattering chills, shakes and fever.

immunity against the most severe forms of the disease.

consequences because they lack immunity.

because of waning or absent immunity.

**1. Introduction** 

widespread of the tropical deadly diseases.

Specific population risk groups include:

**in Sub-Saharan Africa** 

Omolade O. Okwa
