Abstract: Methods for treating malaria are provided, the treatment comprising the step of removing malaria-infected red blood cells from the patient's blood. Blood is drawn from the patient's circulatory system and circulated through a blood purification device that selectively eliminates the infected red blood cells from all other blood's components and replaces the cleansed blood back into the patient's circulatory system. A blood purification device, which is useful to perform the therapeutic methods of the invention, is also provided. The device leverages the magnetic properties of the hemozoin contained within the infected red blood cells and comprises one or more separation chambers (4) though which blood flows through a high-gradient magnetic field generated by an array of wires (5) separated from the chambers and not in contact with the patient blood.