World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day seeks to raise awareness of malaria, a tropical infectious disease, and promote efforts to prevent and eliminate it. This event, endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. The event is a platform for sharing information on strategies and research findings, and it provides an opportunity to draw public attention to the impact of malaria and the importance of eradication efforts.

This event was established by the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of WHO, during its 60th session in 2007, with the aim of creating global awareness about the disease. Within the context of the UK, the significance of the World Malaria Day lies not in the number of malaria cases, given that the UK is not a malaria-endemic country, but in the important role that the UK plays globally in malaria research and funding. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, for example, is renowned for its research in preventing and controlling malaria. Furthermore, the UK government, through UK Aid, is one of the biggest donors for malaria control and eradication programmes worldwide.

World Malaria Day is observed in various ways across the United Kingdom. NGOs, charities, academic institutions, and multinational corporations often organize fundraising events, educational programs, and awareness campaigns. These activities focus on the progress achieved in malaria prevention and control and the challenges that remain. They also emphasise the UK’s contribution to global malaria eradication and stimulate public and private support for continued commitment. World Malaria Day occurs each year on 25th of April.

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, on World Malaria Day, Bill Gates and UK government jointly committed an additional £3 billion ($4.28 billion) to help reduce malaria deaths and infections during 2018-2023.
• British pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline developed the world's first malaria vaccine, called Mosquirix or RTS,S, which has been approved for use by WHO and is being rolled out in several African countries.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Malaria Day

Top things to do in the UK 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 Documentary or Film to learn more about Malaria in United Kingdom:
  1) Return of the Black Death: The World's Greatest Serial Killer - This BBC documentary delves into disease outbreaks in the UK, including malaria, as it was once quite prevalent in the country.
  2) The Fever (2018) - Although this documentary isn't UK-specific, it provides an insightful look at the global fight against Malaria, one of the deadliest diseases mankind has ever known.
• Attend Lectures or Workshops: Institutions such as London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine or other international health or development studies institutions may hold lectures, panels, or workshops.