K2 - right you are. A cure does generally exist for Malaria, but the normal African doesn't have the money for it, and therefore dies. However one thing not really mentioned is that many of those who die from malaria, also are HIV positive which lowers the immune system where the malaria can kill them even with medications.
My wife had malaria twice while we were in Africa (just wouldn't take her cloraquin (SP?) pills daily ... tsk tsk tsk) She was effectively treated both times, and recovered in a matter of just a couple of days.
Malaria though is a real killer to even those who are not HIV positive, if they don't get the medications, which if I recall correctly, cost about $16 US in 1990/91. That is a fortune to many Africans, unfortunately. And there is sometimes a shortage of the meds too, on the economy.
I'm with you though. No one should get in with any communicable disease or affliction. SARS, AIDS, TB or whatever!