It is believed that human malaria began in Central and West Africa. According to the article, "Evolutionary and Historical Aspects of the Burden of Malaria,"
one of the four types of human malaria, P. malariae," is found in apparently indistinguishable form as a natural parasite of chimpanzees in West Africa."
Origin
The beginning of agricultural practices in central and western Africa, 8,000 years ago, brought about the human malaria parasite to this warm, temperate climate. These agricultural practices were one of the main components in the evolution of human malaria.
Types
The two types that have become most concerning are P. vivax and P. falciparum which are most prevalent in warm, tropical regions.
Colonization
In the 19th century, during expansion of the world, malaria had spread especially to those who lived or visited Western Africa.
Malaria Control
The use of DDT was introduced to western Africa in the 1950s. This was the World Health Organization's solution to malaria control; although it worked on other continents, the introduction of DDT to Africa didn't work.
Medicine
Even with this failure, Africa was introduced to new anti-malarial drugs which resulted in fewer malaria related deaths through the 1980s.
Malaria Today
Today, Africa "carries by far the greatest burden of malaria today." The situation of malaria is relatively unchanged especially in tropical areas of the continent.
Tags: human malaria, agricultural practices, West Africa