Malaria Charity

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  • Malaria is a leading cause of child mortality in the developing-world.1
  • Interventions to reduce deaths from malaria (such as insecticide-treated nets) are proven and cost-effective (more below).
  • We recommend: Against Malaria Foundation

Published: 2009; Updated: 2011

How do charities address malaria?

Many charities run programs to distribute insecticide-treated bednets to protect against mosquitoes that transmit malaria. We have seen few charities focusing on other anti-malaria programs such as medicines to treat malaria or spraying pesticide to kill mosquitoes.

Based on a review of the evidence for insecticide-treated net distributions, we believe that under $2000 can save a life. For more information, see our full evidence review of mass distributions of insecticide-treated nets.

What are the challenges of finding a great malaria charity?

Donors should be aware that while ITNs are a highly cost-effective way to save lives, charities' claims of the low cost of saving a life with an net can be overblown.2 $10 may buy and distribute a net, but not every child who sleeps under a net would have died otherwise, and even properly used nets do not offer 100% protection.

Where should you donate to fight malaria?

For donors interested in using their donation to fight malaria, we recommend:

  • Against Malaria Foundation, which distributes insecticide-treated nets. AMF is extremely transparent, publishing the status of each distribution on its website. For more, see our full review of the AMF.