Malaria is a maternal and child health issue. Pregnant women are the most at risk for malaria and the likelihood of complications due to infection is much greater. Each year, approximately 50 million women living in malaria-endemic countries throughout the world become pregnant and are at risk of getting malaria. In Africa around 10,000 of these women and up to 200,000 of their infants die as a result of malaria infection during pregnancy. Malaria during pregnancy (MIP) accounts for maternal anemia, low birth weight, and infant deaths. And yet, the Roll Back Malaria goals of reaching 80% of pregnant women with intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) and insecticide treated bed-nets (ITNs), two leading preventive measures, have not yet been met.

To read Maternal Health Task Force’s full coverage of MCHIP’s work to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality, read the blog by MCHIP Director Koki Agarwal.