Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. The reclassification of Maloff Protect to a P medicine means pharmacy teams are well-placed to advise travellers on malaria prevention.

Malaria is caused by infection of red blood cells with the Plasmodium parasite. It is transmitted by the bite of the female Anophelese mosquito. 

Malaria is predominantly found in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, the Indian sub-continent and, to a lesser extent, Central America and the Middle East. The risk can vary within a country and a seasonal pattern of transmission can be found.