Malaria is one of the most dangerous diseases plaguing this planet. The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes infected with a parasite, affects half of the world's population (3.3 billion people) who live in sectors at risk of transmission. In Africa, malaria ranks second as a leading cause of death, just after HIV and AIDS. In the United States, an average of 1,500 cases have been reported each year since the National Malaria Eradication Program successfully eradicated malaria from the country in the 1950s. Like any provider of knowledge, the media plays a crucial role in society by spreading awareness, evaluating facts and presenting them in the most accurate and detailed way possible. The following article will evaluate and critique recent malaria coverage to determine how successful and unsuccessful journalists cover the epidemic. In the recent article, "Malaria Epidemic Hits Southern Venezuela," found on the Associated Press website, journalist Ian James focuses on the malaria epidemic that has hit southern Venezuela this year, particularly the miners gold. From the beginning there is a clear indication of the tone and direction the journalist will take. In this case, James focuses on a direct approach by answering the five fundamental questions: who, what, where, when and how. Many times, journalists use numbers to provide the public with context to what is being addressed in their article. Two crucial numbers included in this particular story are Ministry of Health statistics, which indicate the number of malaria cases reported nationwide so far (21,501) and last year's figure (10,785). By juxtaposing these two statistics so that they stand out, the reporter gives the reader a better understanding of the implications that this disease has... half of the article... that researchers are doing to try to eradicate malaria in underdeveloped areas. countries like Africa. The global community knows that the malaria epidemic continues to rage in cities, states and nations around the world. The question is not whether people know it exists (unlike climate change), but how well informed they are about the reality of the situation. Yes, people need to know how celebrities are involved in the fight against malaria. But they also need to know how this affects the lives of children, women and men who lack access to basic care, a disease that can be easily treated in developed countries like the United States. If they want the media to improve their coverage of malaria and other vital diseases, they must create a balance between the desire to sell their publications and the desire to provide the public with the necessary information on the topic..