World Malaria Day is annually observed across the world on 25th April to create awareness about the importance of investment and commitment toward the prevention and control of Malaria.
- The day also highlights the importance to educate and offer a better understanding of Malaria, a preventable and curable disease.
The annual observance of World Malaria Day is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The theme of World Malaria Day 2023 is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
- The 2023 theme of WHO focuses on “Implement” and the critical importance of reaching marginalized populations with the tools and strategies that are available today.
Background:
i.During the World Health Assembly of 2007, the Member States of WHO instituted World Malaria Day and proclaimed the 24th of April of every year as World Malaria Day.
ii.The first-ever World Malaria Day was observed on 25th April 2008.
About Malaria:
i.Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites which spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
ii.There are over 400 different species of Anopheles mosquitoes and around 40, known as vector species, can transmit the disease.
iii.5 species of parasites can cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, pose the greatest threat.
iv.The disease is primarily found in tropical countries.
Key Points:
i.According to the World malaria report 2022(published in December 2022), around 619000 people died due to malaria in 2021. Around 247 new cases of malaria were reported in 2021.
ii.WHO African Region is the most affected region, accounting for an estimated 95% of all malaria cases (~234 million) and 96% of all deaths(593000).
- Children under 5 accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region.
iii.The report stated that in the past 3 years, the funding gap between the amount invested in the global malaria response (USD 3.5 billion) and the resources needed (USD 7.3 billion) has widened.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director-General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
