There has been an unprecedented fall in the number of people suffering from malaria in Azerbaijan.

International efforts to rid the country of the disease have led to an 80% reduction in the number of cases, the sharpest drop ever recorded anywhere.

Malaria affects more than 300 million people throughout the world. It kills over a million each year.

The disease is caused by a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes. People with malaria can develop a fever, headache, vomiting and convulsions.

The number of deaths worldwide is increasing, despite efforts to control the disease. But, in the best results seen so far in an anti-malaria programme, Azerbaijan has reversed the trend.

Full Story: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/newsid_767000/767777.stm