Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. There are five different types of human-infecting Plasmodium; the deadliest are Plasmodium falciparum (mostly in Africa) and Plasmodium vivax (mainly in Asia and South America). Left untreated, malaria can progress to severe illness, and even to death.

Malaria remains a major health and social challenge. Today, half of the global population is at risk of malaria. In 2021, there were more than 240 million cases of malaria worldwide – over 600,000 people died from the disease, with 95% of cases and deaths in Africa. Malaria strikes hardest among pregnant women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa. Children under five still account for about 80% of all malaria deaths worldwide.

As One Against Malaria, we have been engaged since 2015 in the battle against this disease, with the aim of developing and providing access to new drugs to prevent infection, test and treat patients and block the transmission of malaria from and to the mosquito. We are also committed to develop innovative technologies, implement research initiatives to strengthen the resilience of health systems in the world’s most vulnerable regions and define sustainable business models for innovative access paths to reach patients in need of our products.  

As One Against Malaria, our Global Health Institute has developed an integrated approach to drive innovation through a number of projects leveraging our expertise. These projects are implemented together with our scientists and external partners, including from the National Malaria Control Programs in Africa. These initiatives also contribute to strengthening research capacity and favoring research opportunities.