Malaria: Acute febrile illness caused by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. There are five species of parasites that cause malaria. Two of them - Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax - are the most dangerous. WHO
Malaria epidemics: Serious public health emergencies due to human or natural factors that modify the environment and increase the mosquito population, and the ability of vectors to transmit the malaria parasite. Epidemics and outbreaks often occur because of weakened malaria control interventions in the area. WHO
Malnutrition: A state of nutritional deficit due to insufficient intake of nutrients in quantity or quality, or to poor absorption or biological use of the nutrients consumed. WHO
Malnutrition: Abnormal physiological state due to deficiency, excess or imbalance, or poor assimilation of energy, protein or other nutrients in food. FAO
Malnutrition due to lack of micronutrients: Same denomination as "hidden hunger", because they develop gradually over time and their effects are not observed until they have already caused irreversible damage. It involves the lack of vitamin A, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, and folic acid. FAO
Maternal mortality: Annual number of deaths of pregnant women during pregnancy, at birth and up to 6 weeks after birth. For purposes of comparison between countries or across years, it is expressed as a Ratio per 100,000 Live Births in a given year. WHO
Means for water purification: Methods used in the treatment of water to make it fit for human consumption. UN
Measles: A highly contagious vaccine-preventable viral disease that mainly affects children. It is transmitted by droplets from the nose, mouth and pharynx. WHO
Measles (RH) vaccine: A vaccine that immunizes against measles that affects children and can cause complications in infants, people with chronic diseases and immune deficiency, or those who are severely malnourished, including vitamin A deficiency. Its combination with rubella vaccine (MR vaccine) or mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR vaccine) and it is recommended for its logistical and programmatic advantages, and in areas with high mumps and rubella disease burden. WHO
Medical treatment: A set of medicines, procedures and dosages established in accordance with a prescribed health program, and intended to cure or alleviate illness. LAW INSIDER
Medicines: Substances, products, or drugs for prophylactic, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. They include synthetic and natural, biological - such as vaccines and serum - and blood and its derivatives, and are intended to help the body to recover from or protect itself from disease imbalances. WHO
Mental health in emergencies: A set of actions to protect and promote psychosocial well-being, and prevent or treat psychosocial trauma and psychological disorders. WHO
Migration: Any movement of persons that is not intended to be of short duration or temporary, either across an international border ("international migration") or within a State. It is often used to include both forced and voluntary movements. UN
Minimum sphere standards: Standards that provide a basis for context analysis, initial, rapid and in-depth assessments, as well as joint needs assessments in humanitarian crises.
Minimum standards: Measures that specify the minimum quality levels to be achieved in humanitarian response concerning food supply and nutrition. SPHERE
