Malaria Prophylaxis: How to Prevent Malaria When Travelling
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed | Board-Accredited Family Physician
MBChB, MMed | Board-Accredited Family Physician
What Is Malaria Prophylaxis?
Malaria prophylaxis involves taking prescribed medication to protect against malaria infection when travelling to
countries where the disease is prevalent. These medicines act as preventive treatment to stop
malaria parasites from multiplying within the body after an infected mosquito bite.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites,
specifically P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and
P. knowlesi, and is spread through bites from infected female Anopheles
mosquitoes. Once in the bloodstream, the parasites attack red blood cells and can cause serious
illness if not prevented or treated early.
Using prophylaxis reduces not only the traveller’s individual risk but also helps prevent the
importation of malaria into malaria-free countries such as Singapore. Local transmission has been
kept low through vigilant public health surveillance and mosquito control programmes. Reported
imported malaria cases have remained under 40 each year since
2018, illustrating the importance of preventive care, including medication before and after
travel.
