Malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite, which attacks red blood cells. While it is usually spread by the Anopheles mosquito, it can also be transmitted through the transfusion of infected red blood cells.

Visitors to countries where malaria is a problem may be at risk of getting infected with malaria.

If you have had malaria, do not donate blood for at least 3 years after you have completed treatment.

If you have visited or lived in a county where malaria is prevalent, you should not donate blood for at least 6 weeks after leaving that country. If you are not sure if the country you visited has a malaria problem, please consult the doctor during your blood donation session.

If you have visited or lived in a country where multi-drug resistant malaria is a problem and:

• You have not taken any anti-malarial medication, do not donate blood for at least 6 months; or
• You have taken anti-malarial medication, you must wait at least 3 years after returning to Singapore before donating blood. However, you can still donate plasma within this period. Do check with the doctor during your donation session.