Malaria is a disease caused by human parasites. These attack different systems in the body like blood, red blood cells or liver. These parasites can be susceptible to drugs or they can be resistant to drugs. Due to the complexity of the host and parasite, there is no vaccine invented still against malaria. But there are drugs invented which can control and treat the disease at different stages. 

Most of the vaccines being developed are still to be certified as vaccines against malaria. Trials are still in progress. One such research vaccine termed RTS, S/A S01 against the human parasite are being tried in seven countries across Africa. The results will be evaluated by the WHO and if found satisfactory, the authenticated vaccine will be declared in 2014. The aim of such vaccine would be to prevent the onset of the disease by stimulating our immune system to destroy malarial parasites.

On the individual level, the first step of defense against getting infected is by preventing mosquito bites. A good way to control spread of this disease at community levels is by vector control. The two types of this control are use of insecticide treated mosquito nets and spraying residual insecticides indoors.

Most public health programs recommend usage of nets impregnated with long lasting insecticides. People who are at a higher risk of getting this infection from the surroundings are recommended its use by the WHO. Most places use this as a cost effective method of keeping the infection at bay from their community space. People can sleep below these nets everyday in places where the transmission risk is high.

Spraying indoors with insecticides is the most effective manner to reduce transmission risks of this disease. The effectiveness will be realized when 80 percent of the houses in a certain locality are sprayed. The effect of the insecticide will remain for approximately 6to 12 months depending of the kind of surface it is sprayed on, and the type of insecticide used. DDT can remain effective for almost 9 to 12 months. Work is in progress for developing insecticides whose effect will last longer.

Drugs can be effective in prevention of spread of this disease. Especially for travelers, administration of chemoprophylaxis is recommended to suppress the infection when it is in the blood stages. Pregnant women can be administered sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in areas where the transmission is high as a preventive measure. Three doses of this medicine can be administered for infants as well as a preventive measure alongside other routine vaccinations.

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