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The Winged Scourge (1943) is a short animated educational film produced by Walt Disney Productions in collaboration with the U.S. Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs. It stars the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and was created to educate the public about the dangers of malaria and how to prevent it.

In The Winged Scourge, the Seven Dwarfs take on the role of public health workers to combat the spread of malaria, a deadly disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. The film explains how these mosquitoes breed and spread disease, emphasizing their role as a "winged scourge." Through engaging animation, the dwarfs demonstrate practical steps that can be taken to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, such as draining standing water, using insect screens, and applying oil to water surfaces to kill larvae.

The film was part of a broader effort during World War II to improve public health in Latin America and support the war effort by keeping populations healthy. It combines Disney's familiar characters with a serious message about disease prevention, making complex public health information more accessible and memorable.

Key Themes:

• Malaria transmission and mosquito life cycle
• Public health and disease prevention
• Wartime education and international cooperation

It remains an example of how animation and popular characters were used effectively in public health campaigns.