World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2012, malaria caused an estimated 627,000 deaths, mostly among African children. World Malaria Day sprung out of the efforts taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) to spread awareness about malaria and to mobilize action to combat it.

History

World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO's decision-making body. The day was established to provide "education and understanding of malaria" and spread information on year-long intensified implementation of national malaria-control strategies, including community-based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas. Prior to the establishment of World Malaria Day, Africa Malaria Day was held on April 25. Africa Malaria Day began in 2001, one year after the historic Abuja Declaration was signed by 44 malaria-endemic countries at the African Summit on Malaria.

Significance

World Malaria Day allows for corporations, multinational organizations, and grassroots organizations globally to work together to bring awareness to malaria and advocate for policy changes. Each year, the day is marked by new initiatives and campaigns to fight malaria and save lives. The theme for World Malaria Day changes annually and aims to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.

Themes

Over the years, World Malaria Day has had various themes to focus its awareness campaigns. Some of these include:

• 2008: Malaria - a disease without borders
• 2009: Counting malaria out
• 2010: Ready to beat malaria
• 2011: Achieving progress and impact
• 2012: Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria
• 2013: Invest in the future: defeat malaria
• 2014: A push for prevention
• 2015: Invest in the future: defeat malaria
• 2016: End malaria for good
• 2017: A push for prevention
• 2018: Ready to beat malaria
• 2019: Zero malaria starts with me
• 2020: Zero malaria - Draw the line against malaria
• 2021: Reaching the zero malaria target

Activities

Activities on World Malaria Day vary but generally include advocacy events, medical conferences, and community outreach programs. Governments and non-governmental organizations use the day to deepen engagement by the public and private sectors in malaria control and elimination, share success stories, and highlight the need for continued investment in malaria prevention and control.

Impact

The observance of World Malaria Day has contributed to the global fight against malaria. Since 2000, the world has made significant progress in the fight against malaria. According to the WHO, there has been a 37% global reduction in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rates. This progress is largely due to increased prevention and control measures, including the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and the introduction of more effective antimalarial medicines.

Challenges

Despite the progress, challenges remain in the fight against malaria. Resistance to antimalarial medicines and insecticides, inadequate funding, and health system inefficiencies continue to hamper efforts in reducing the global malaria burden. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed additional challenges to malaria responses worldwide.

Conclusion

World Malaria Day serves as a reminder of the need to continue the fight against malaria. Through global efforts and commitment, it is possible to achieve the goal of a malaria-free world. Continued research, funding, and community engagement are crucial to overcoming the challenges that remain.