Welcome to The European Alliance against Malaria, a non political and not for profit organisation dedicated to the eradication of Malaria. We are a network of like minded groups who work together to promote and support activities that assist in the campaign against Malaria. Malaria is one of the biggest killers in the developing world which is why it is essential groups and organisations work together in this fight. Bringing together the various stakeholders and organisations involved in the Malaria fight is the best way to ensure resources are used in the most effective way to combat Malaria.
Malaria is caused by a parasite known as Plasmodium which is spread by mosquitoes and infects humans when the parasite carrying mosquito bites into their body. Once the person is bitten the parasite enters the bloodstream and travels to the liver where it develops before re-entering the bloodstream and attacking red blood cells. The parasites grow and multiply in the red blood cells. Every 48-72 hours the red blood cells burst spreading the parasites even further and causing a bout of fever and chills. There are many different types of Plasmodium parasites but only five cause malaria in Humans. These are:
Plasmodium falciparum – This is the most deadly of all of the Plasmodium parasites and is responsible for most Malaria deaths. It is found mostly in Africa.
Plasmodium Ovale - Quite uncommon parasite found in west Africa. Can stay hidden in your body for years before symptoms show.
Plasmodium Vivax – Not as severe as Plasmodium falciparum. Found mostly in Asia and Latin America.
Plasmodium Knowlesi - Very rare. Found in Southeast Asia.
Plasmodium Malariae – Quite rare. Found in Africa.
Along with causing death Malaria can lead to severe anaemia and cerebal Malaria which can cause comas. The world Malaria report states that in 2010 there were 216 million cases of Malaria worldwide with an estimated 655,000 deaths. Unfortunately most deaths are among children with a child dying of Malaria every 30 seconds.
