FACTBOX-Malaria: the mosquito-borne killer

Oct 27 (Reuters) - Here are some facts about malaria:

-- Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes.

-- Approximately 40 percent of the world's population is at risk of malaria, with about 250 million cases every year. Most at risk are those living in the world's poorest countries.

-- Most of the nearly one million annual deaths from malaria are among children in Africa under the age of five years.

-- More than 90 percent of cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most destructive malaria parasite that is found mainly in Africa.

-- The disease can damage the nervous system, kidney, and liver, and severe cases can quickly lead to death.

-- The disease accounts for around 40 percent of public health spending in sub-Saharan Africa and malaria related-illnesses and mortality are estimated to cost Africa's economy $12 billion a year.

-- Global estimates indicate that $4.2 billion would be needed each year to fully fund the fight against malaria.

SOURCES: Reuters, World Health Organisation and the Malaria Vaccine Initiative