It is estimated that a single bout of malaria costs a sum equivalent to over 10 working days in Africa. The distribution of malaria varies greatly from country to country and within the countries themselves. The significance of malaria as a health problem is increasing in many parts of the world. Epidemics are even occurring around traditionally endemic zones in areas where transmission had been eliminated. These outbreaks are generally associated with deteriorating social and economic conditions, and main victims are underprivileged rural populations.
People are non-immune are at high risk of severe disease.
Unfortunately, these population movements and the intensive urbanization are not always accompanied by adequate development of sanitation and health care. In many areas conflict, economic crises and administrative disorganization can result in the disruption of health services. The absence of adequate health services frequently results in a recourse to self-administration of drugs often with incomplete treatment. This is a major factor in the increase in resistance of the parasites to previously effective drugs. Lives can be saved if the disease is detected early and adequately treated.