World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day serves to raise awareness and understanding of malaria, a disease that afflicts countless people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. The day plays a pivotal role in educating the public about the significance of prevention mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and the immense socioeconomic impact of malaria. It emphasizes the necessity of redoubling efforts towards the accomplishment of the goal of a malaria-free world, with a focus on vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach areas.

Originating in May 2007 during the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, World Malaria Day recognized the global effort to control this debilitating disease. As a country with vast areas of enhanced malaria transmission, India has a significant stake in this observance. Home to 15% of the global population, India shoulders 4% of global malaria cases and contributing enormously to the international malaria burden. Despite impressive strides in tackling malaria in the past decade, India still struggles with ensuring equitable healthcare resources for its diverse population, thus making World Malaria Day highly relevant.

In observance of World Malaria Day, India organizes numerous activities to promote widespread awareness and garner solidarity towards malaria eradication. Such activities include health check-up camps, awareness sessions, rallies, distributing free anti-malarial kits in susceptible zones, and lectures on preventive measures. In addition, mass media and digital platforms play a significant role in disseminating informational and educational content nationwide. World Malaria Day is held on 25th April every year, providing an opportune moment for India to introspect on its malaria control measures, and gear towards a shared vision – an India free from malaria.

Facts about World Malaria Day

• The theme for World Malaria Day in 2024 was Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement. In 2022 the theme was Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.
• There are over 100 species of malaria parasite, the most deadly being the Plasmodium Falciparum, found in Africa.
• In 2018, the World Health Organization reported that 11.7 million confirmed cases of malaria had been reported in the Southeast Asia region, accounting for 3.4% of the global total, with India accounting for 47% of these cases.
• The North-Eastern states, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Orissa have higher prevalence of malaria. These regions with vast tribal populations are often called the "malaria belt" of India.

In the News and Trending in India for World Malaria Day

Top things to do in India for World Malaria Day

• Watch Living with Malaria, a documentary about scientists in Burkina Faso fighting Malaria.
• Make sure you're protected when you go out. Wear long-sleeved clothing or spray on bug repellent.
• Watch a Film to learn more about Malaria in India:
  1) Mary and Martha - This HBO film features Hilary Swank and Brenda Blethyn as the mothers of sons who die from malaria. They later advocate for effective malaria prevention in Africa, but the theme of the film is applicable worldwide, including India.
  2) Malaria: Fever Wars - A PBS documentary that chronicles the history of malaria and the ongoing struggles to control and eliminate it.
• Help with the Distribution of Mosquito Nets: NGO's and other organizations distribute free long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) to help prevent the spread of malaria.