Malaria-endemic regions

Canadian Blood Services uses the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) malaria information to determine which regions have occurrences of malaria that are high enough to require medications to prevent infection. We have simplified this information using tables and maps.

The tables below are organized by country and geographical areas and highlight where the chances of acquiring malaria may be greatest.

For Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, only travel spots that you have spent more than 24 hours in would trigger a waiting period for you to donate blood or platelets. For example, if you are on a Caribbean cruise and it stops for a day trip (less than 24 hours) in Haiti, where the chances of acquiring malaria are high, you do not have to wait before donating.

We know that the criteria for malaria eligibility disproportionately affects people who have travelled to or immigrated from regions where malaria is endemic. We truly empathize that being turned away from donating blood may leave donors with a sense of frustration and disappointment.  

As our testing platforms and research continues to advance and mature, we remain committed to continuously reviewing our eligibility criteria and removing existing barriers to donation when blood safety is assured. Our efforts are focused on building a more inclusive donation process, while ensuring the safety and sufficiency of the blood supply.

If you have any questions about malaria eligibility criteria or are wondering if you can donate, please call us at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

You can also learn more by visiting our Malaria: information for blood and plasma donors page.

List of countries by name