Malaria vaccines | NITAG RESOURCE CENTER

Case Fatality ratio (number of deaths / number of new cases, in %)

The weighted mean CFR among children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies was 0.068% (95% CI 0.024–0.112). Among studies that offered moderate to high quality care, the weighted mean CFR among hospitalized children with malaria diagnosis was 3.4% (95% CI 1.6–5.2) and among hospitalized children with severe disease was 13.6% (95%CI 8.4–18.8). ^{Go to footnote 11}

Case fatality rates in severe malaria have been estimated at >90% if a child does not reach or receive adequate treatment, and 13-20% for hospitalized children. ^{Go to footnote 22, Go to footnote 33} Those who survive malaria may have long-term sequalae, including neurocognitive and behavioral impairments. ^{Go to footnote 44}

Non-specific signs and symptoms of malaria contribute to the CFR, as early presentation may be difficult to distinguish from other illnesses. Without treatment, malaria can progress rapidly, changing from an apparently mild condition to severe illness and death within 24 hours. ^{Go to footnote 55}

Malaria also contributes substantially to child mortality indirectly by exacerbating other common childhood illness, such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, and malnutrition. ^{Go to footnote 66} ^{Go to footnote 77}

Sources

Go back to footnote reference 1
[CB2.1]World Health Organization (2024). Malaria vaccines: WHO position paper, May 2024. Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 99(19):225–248 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer-9919-225-248, accessed 13 May 2026)
Go back to footnote reference 2
Thwing J, Eisele TP, Steketee RW. Protective efficacy of malaria case management and intermittent preventive treatment for preventing malaria mortality in children: a systematic review for the Lives Saved Tool. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(Suppl 3):S14. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-S3-S14.
Go back to footnote reference 3
Ssemata AS, Nakitende AJ, Kizito S, Thomas MR, Islam S et al. Association of severe malaria with cognitive and behavioural outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Malar J. 2023;22(1):227. doi:10.1186/s12936-023-04653-9.
Go back to footnote reference 4
Ssemata AS, Nakitende AJ, Kizito S, Thomas MR, Islam S et al. Association of severe malaria with cognitive and behavioural outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Malar J. 2023;22(1):227. doi:10.1186/s12936-023-04653-9.
Go back to footnote reference 5
Thwing J, Eisele TP, Steketee RW. Protective efficacy of malaria case management and intermittent preventive treatment for preventing malaria mortality in children: a systematic review for the Lives Saved Tool. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(Suppl 3):S14. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-S3-S14.
Go back to footnote reference 6
Thwing J, Eisele TP, Steketee RW. Protective efficacy of malaria case management and intermittent preventive treatment for preventing malaria mortality in children: a systematic review for the Lives Saved Tool. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(Suppl 3):S14. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-11-S3-S14.
Go back to footnote reference 7
White NJ. Anaemia and malaria. Malar J. 2018;17(1):371. doi:10.1186/s12936-018-2509-9.