It’s World Malaria Day! Invest in the future with the Children’s Prize.

The Children’s Prize has received malaria proposals from eight countries that are listed within the top 17 as having the largest number of malaria deaths, according to the World Malaria Report. However, malaria proposals have not been received from Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire and Mozambique. These three countries are among the top six with the largest number of malaria deaths reported. The project proposals received include the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets, indoor spraying methods, and procurement of medication once malaria had been contracted.

Approximately half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria. One child dies every minute from malaria. The countries with the highest malaria rate are Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique and Cote d’Ivoire, making up 47% of all malaria cases worldwide. The highest mortality rates are among those that make less than $1.25 a day. Sleeping under insecticide treated nets can reduce overall child mortality by 20%, but only 5% of the population living in Africa sleeps under treated nets.

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is transmitted through a mosquito. There are several variations of malaria causing flu like symptoms that typically include high fevers, shaking chills, headaches, etc. Other variations of malaria are more likely to result in severe infections and if not promptly treated, may result in death. Malaria contributes to anemia among children and pregnant women, causing poor growth and development. Maternal malaria increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, premature delivery and low birth weight – a leading cause of child mortality. Malaria caused an estimated 660,000 deaths in 2010 with 90% occurring in Africa, mostly among children.