Malaria distribution around the world

World map highlighting malaria infected areas

LIGHT AREAS – Where Dengue and Malaria are transmitted
MEDIUM AREAS – Where Dengue is transmitted
DARK AREAS – Where Malaria is transmitted

Malaria distribution is primarily a concern in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The geographic risk areas can be broadly categorised into the following regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa

  • High Risk: Most cases and deaths occur in this region, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and Uganda.
  • Endemic: Malaria is endemic throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with transmission occurring year-round in many areas.

Asia

South Asia

  • Countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and parts of Nepal.
  • Risk Areas: Risk is higher in rural areas and during the monsoon season.

Southeast Asia

  • Countries: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia.
  • Risk Areas: Forested and rural areas, particularly in border regions and areas with migrant populations.

East Asia

  • Countries: Limited to certain parts of China and North Korea.
  • Risk Areas: Malaria risk is lower here, with sporadic cases in rural regions.

Middle East and Central Asia

  • Countries: Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and parts of Afghanistan.
  • Risk Areas: Transmission is often seasonal and more common in rural and agricultural areas.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Central America

  • Countries: Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama.
  • Risk Areas: Rural and jungle regions, particularly along the Atlantic coast.

South America

  • Countries: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Bolivia.
  • Risk Areas: Amazon rainforest and other rural areas with abundant mosquito populations.

Caribbean

  • Countries: Limited to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
  • Risk Areas: Rural and some urban areas, especially during and after rainy seasons.

Oceania

  • Countries: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, parts of Indonesia.
  • Risk Areas: Coastal and inland regions with significant forest cover.

Key factors influencing malaria risk

Seasonality: Malaria transmission often increases during and after rainy seasons when mosquito populations surge.

Climate: Warm temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall create ideal conditions for Anopheles mosquitoes to breed and survive.

Altitude: Malaria transmission is generally lower in areas above 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) due to cooler temperatures.

Rural vs. Urban: Rural areas, especially those near water bodies or forests, are at higher risk compared to urban areas, although some cities in endemic regions also report significant cases.