World Malaria Day 2024: Malaria is a disease that is caused by mosquito bites. shaking chill and high fever are the main symptoms of Malaria. In tropical and subtropical countries, malaria is extremely common. However, Malaria is also preventable. With proper precautions and preventive measures, mosquito bites can be prevented. Every year, World Malaria Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the prevention measures against Malaria and what we can do to ensure that we do not fall victim to this disease. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things that we must keep in mind.
Date:
Every year, World Malaria Day is observed on April 25. This year, the special day falls on Thursday.
World Malaria Day: History
World Malaria Day was developed from Africa Malaria Day which was first held in 2008. It was basically an event that had been observed since 2001 by African governments. They worked towards the progress goal which aimed at controlling malaria and reducing its mortality in African countries.
At the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, a meeting sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2007 proposed that Africa Malaria Day be changed to World Malaria Day to identify the existence of malaria in countries worldwide and to bring awareness among people globally to fight against malaria disease.
World Malaria Day also enables new donors to join in a global partnership against malaria, and for research and academic institutions to reveal scientific advances to the public.
The day also gives international partners, companies, and foundations a chance to showcase their efforts and reflect on how to scale up what has worked.
Significance:
"On this World Malaria Day 2024, we unite under the theme - Accelerating the fight against malaria for more equitable world. This theme, which is in sync with this year’s World Health Day theme - My Health, My Right, underscores the urgent need to address the stark inequities that persist in access to malaria prevention, detection, and treatment services," stated Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia on the official website of World Health Organisation.
World Malaria Day urges people to come together to help in preventing the spread of this disease. It also sets the platform for international partners, companies, and foundations to showcase their efforts in eradicating this disease and contributing to better healthcare structure.
What Causes Malaria?
Malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasites that spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is caused by five parasitic species, P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi. The first four are specific for humans, while P. knowlesi causes malaria in macaque monkeys.
Symptoms of Malaria
The first symptoms usually begin within 10–15 days after the bite from a mosquito. The common symptoms include Fever, headache and chills, which may be mild and difficult to recognise. However, in malaria endemic areas, people who have developed partial immunity may not experience symptoms (asymptomatic infections).
Transmission of Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease and is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another but is only transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. There are over 400 different species of Anopheles mosquitoes and around 40, known as vector species, can transmit the disease.
Treatment for Malaria
Malaria is a treatable disease and it can be treated through early diagnosis and correct medication. The most common medications that are used for the treatment of malaria are:
- Quinine
- Doxycycline
- Chloroquine
- Artemisinin
- Mefloquine
- Atovaquone
Read Also: National Panchayati Raj Day 2024
World Malaria Day 2024 Quotes
We can defeat the deadly disease by maintaining good hygiene and keeping our surroundings clean.
- Best wishes to everyone on this World Malaria Day. Let us work together to combat this illness that has taken so many lives.
- Defeating malaria is absolutely critical to ending poverty, improving the health of millions, and enabling future generations to reach their full potential. —Tedros Adhanom
- As medical research continues and technology enables new breakthroughs, there will be a day when malaria and most all major deadly diseases are eradicated on Earth. —Peter Diamandis
- If we save people from HIV/AIDS, if we save them from malaria, it means they can form the base of production for our economy. —Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
