Many people think malaria is a disease that has been mostly solved, like polio or smallpox. Mosquitoes are seen as pesky little creatures we swat away on holidays in hot climates.

But the truth is that half of the world's population is still at risk of malaria, and certain types of mosquitoes still carry this disease which is endemic in 106 nations.

Malaria is a disease of the blood that is caused by a parasite transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes. There are over 250 million cases of malaria each year leading to close to one million deaths. Malaria affects women and children first and worst and is a major cause of death and anaemia for pregnant women as well as causing low birth weight in their babies.

Africa is hit particularly hard by the disease where over 90% of all malaria deaths occur and a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. Malaria cripples the economy, costing African countries £8 million each year. This is an even greater tragedy as malaria is completely preventable and treatable, no one need die from malaria. So what can be done?

Premier will be partnering with Malaria No More UK - a charity dedicated to ending deaths due to the disease. Malaria No More UK wants to ensure every man, woman and child at risk of malaria in Africa has access to a mosquito net by the end of 2010 and aims to help put an end to malaria deaths by 2015. Malaria No More UK partners directly with organisations on the ground in Africa to provide the tools, nets and medicine to the people who need it most.

In the run up to World Malaria Day on April 25th 2010, we want to raise vital awareness of this devastating disease and you can help. We need stories to help illustrate the impact and preventable nature of malaria so if you or a friend or member of your family has been affected by malaria, we would like to hear your story. Please get in touch.

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease and you can make a difference in helping make malaria no more.

Jo Yirrell's story

After the death of her son Harry from malaria, Jo Yirrell decided to be pro-active and turn the situation into something to benefit others rather than wallowing in her own grief, so she headed off to Africa with the charity "Malaria No More". Premier Christian Radio presenter Maria Toth caught up with her to find out what she was expecting from the trip before she flew out.

Jo Yirrell Part 1

Jo Yirrell Part 2