Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness.

In 2015 there was 214 million cases, and 438 000 deaths from malaria, in 97 countries.

It is improving; the mortality rate has fallen by 60% between 2000 and 2015. However, $5.1 billion US is needed every year, double the available funding.

For more information visit the World Malaria Day website.