Controlling malaria
Malaria has puzzled scientists for centuries. Another global effort is underway to control the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. How many people around the world contract malaria each year?
A. 1 million
B. 500 million
C. 2.37 billion
B. 500 million is correct.
An estimated 500 million people become ill with malaria-related infections each year, according to the World Health Organization. Outside of Africa, the greatest rate of infection is found in Southeast Asia and Oceania as well as Central and South America.
As of 2007, about $1 billion is spent annually to fight the illness, 10 times the amount of a decade ago. Efforts to reduce malaria typically involve a combination of mosquito nets, spraying insecticides, and medication. Such measures are thought to have reduced child malaria deaths by more than 50 percent in the last three years in Rwanda and Ethiopia.
About 1 million people die annually from the disease. Worldwide, 2.37 billion people in 87 countries are at risk of contracting it.
The Globalist Quiz is produced by The Globalist, a Washington research organization that promotes awareness of world affairs. © 2008 The Globalist, theglobalist.com.
