The Geneva-based World Health Organization announced in its annual report on Tuesday that malaria deaths have dropped significantly since 2000 and are continuing to decline.
Reuters noted that WHO’s report on the illness said malaria deaths fell by 47 percent globally from 2000 to 2013 and by 54 percent in Africa, where the disease is most prevalent. The decline is due in part to more people having access to mosquito nets.
Between 2001 and 2013, 4.3 million deaths in sub-Saharan Africa were averted, 3.9 million of those were children age five and younger.
Lately, malaria has almost been an afterthought in West Africa where countries in the region are facing and trying to combat the Ebola epidemic. The report found that the outbreak has had a "devastating impact" on malaria treatment.
The Indo-Asia News Service reported that in a statement WHO said “progress against the mosquito-borne infection remains fragile and West African countries suffering from Ebola are particularly at risk of seeing a resurgence of malaria.”
"International donor financing is being stepped up to meet the further recommendation that bed nets be distributed to all [Ebola] affected areas," the report said.
Malaria is spread by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitos and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, sweats and nausea.