World Malaria Day 2024- History, Theme, Significance

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World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is an annual event observed globally every April 25. This day aims to inspire and encourage governments around the world to take the necessary effective steps to tackle malaria issues. Malaria is one of the most life-threatening diseases, which kills thousands of people every day. According to WHO, there were 249 million cases of malaria in 2022 with over 60000 deaths worldwide. Therefore, the World Malaria Day serves as a reminder about the ongoing battle with malaria and the immediate need to take collective action against it 

Name of the dayWorld Malaria Day
Observed onApril 25
Reason To raise awareness about malaria as a life-threatening disease and advocate for its quick diagnosis and treatment.
Theme Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world

History of World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day provides an opportunity for new funders to join the fight against malaria and for academic and research institutions to share new findings with the general public. The day also provides an opportunity for foreign partners, businesses, and foundations to highlight their initiatives and consider how to expand on what has been successful.

  • Africa Malaria Day, which was first observed in 2008, served as the inspiration for World Malaria Day.
  • In essence, it was a phenomenon that African countries had been tracking since 2001.
  • They made progress toward the objective of reducing malaria mortality in African nations and controlling the disease.
  • A meeting sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007 suggested changing Africa Malaria Day to World Malaria Day in order to recognize the existence of malaria in all countries and to raise awareness among people all over the world about the need to combat malaria disease.
  • This proposal was made at the World Health Assembly’s 60th session.

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Why do we Celebrate World Malaria Day?

World Malaria Day is celebrated to raise awareness about malaria and its effects on diagnosed patients. It provides governments and organizations with a global platform to come up with effective solutions and deal with malaria.  

What is the Theme of World Malaria Day 2024?

The theme of World Malaria Day 2024 is, “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”. Malaria is a persistent problem in many countries, which is constantly threatening hundreds of lives every year. This theme highlights the urgency of taking effective steps against freeing the world from the dangers of malaria. Moreover, it also advocates for equal and easy access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria for every individual on this planet. 

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Importance of World Malaria Day

Malaria is a disease that can be prevented and treated, yet it nevertheless has a terrible effect on people’s health and way of life all over the world. There will likely be 241 million new cases of malaria and 6,27,000 fatalities from malaria in 85 countries in the year 2020. In the WHO African Region, children under the age of five made up more than two-thirds of the fatalities. Every year on April 25, there is a celebration known as World Malaria Day to bring attention to the global campaign to reduce and eventually eliminate malaria. Africa Malaria Day, which has been commemorated by African countries since 2001, served as the inspiration for World Malaria Day, which was first celebrated in 2008. 

In 2017, 435,000 people died from malaria

Although there has been some improvement in lowering the number of new malaria infections, the illness still claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year. The area worst hit is Sub-Saharan Africa.

A Strategy to Reduce Death Rates By 90% 

The World Health Organisation marks World Malaria Day to emphasize the necessity of ongoing financial support and political commitment to malaria prevention in order to meet that goal.

Malaria is a disease that can be prevented and treated

Health organizations engaged in malaria prevention have the chance to share their success stories on World Malaria Day.

Source: It’s Easy to Draw

Goal of World Malaria Day

Every year on April 25, the world celebrates World Malaria Day to raise awareness of the fight against the illness, inspire action to lessen suffering, and raise funds.

On World Malaria Day, people are reminded of the importance of preventing, controlling, and getting rid of malaria. This day also celebrates the ongoing triumphs in the war against malaria. For the public to have a better grasp of malaria and how to treat it, education is also required. Let us inform you that Plasmodium parasites are the cause of the potentially fatal disease malaria. 

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Facts about Malaria 

Below mentioned are the facts about Malaria:

  • The parasite Plasmodium is what causes malaria. Through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, sometimes known as “malaria vectors,” the parasite can be transmitted to humans. A parasite is delivered into the bloodstream when a mosquito bites a person.
  • There are several plasmodium parasite species, but did you know that only five of them may give people malaria? These include Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.
  • Acute febrile illness, malaria is. Typically, it takes between 10 and 15 days for symptoms to show up after a mosquito bite. Its initial signs include fever, headache, and cold sensation.
  • The use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying is the main vector control measures used to prevent and limit the transmission of malaria.
  • Use insect repellents, such as cream, lotion, spray, etc., to prevent mosquito bites. Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs as well for this.
  • Malaria may be prevented and treated, and new initiatives are significantly lowering the disease’s impact in many regions.

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How to Observe World Malaria Day?

Below are some ways to observe the World Malaria Day:

  • Create Awareness- Education is crucial. Sharing this knowledge on social media will increase awareness of this fatal but preventable condition.
  • Make donation- There are many deserving charitable organizations attempting to deliver malaria treatment supplies to the nations that require them the most. Look for ways you may support their work by volunteering your time or contributing money.
  • Organize an event- Encourage people to donate to a trustworthy charity that fights malaria. Almost everyone is aware of malaria, but do they realize how simple some of the prevention methods are?
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FAQs

1. Why do we commemorate World Malaria Day?

On World Malaria Day, it is important to emphasize the importance of ongoing financial support and political commitment to the prevention and control of malaria. 

2. What causes April 25 to be Malaria Day?

President George W. Bush proclaimed April 25 to be Malaria Awareness Day in 2007 and urged Americans to support efforts to eradicate malaria from the African continent.

3. When was Malaria Day originally observed?

Africa Malaria Day, which has been commemorated by African countries since 2001, served as the inspiration for World Malaria Day, which was first celebrated in 2008.

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