World Malaria Day 2025: End Malaria for Good

Every year on 25th April, World Malaria Day is observed. It is a global healthcare awareness campaign calling to several various local and government healthcare authorities and policymakers to encourage the action required to fight and destroy malaria. It is a parasitic infection spread by the female (Anopheles) mosquito and can cause severe, fatal illness. Every year, malaria threatens 200 crore, including residents of 90 prevalent countries and 12.5 crore international tourists. Plasmodium parasites have a composite life cycle that results in periodic fevers. Serious consequences such as severe cerebral malaria, coma, malarial anemia, or even death might arise if treatment is stopped, but many people recover from malaria symptoms quickly after treatment.

On World Malaria Day 2025, Expert pulmonologist Dr. Sheetu Singh emphasizes the critical connection between malaria and respiratory health. Since malaria can result in acute pulmonary effects such as respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), she recommends prevention, early detection, and quick medical therapy.

Dr. Sheetu Singh emphasizes the benefits of controlling mosquitoes, getting the right diagnosis, and increasing awareness to reduce the burden of pulmonary issues caused by malaria. She uses her knowledge to help people, patients, and medical professionals understand how malaria affects the respiratory system and the crucial measures needed to properly battle this deadly illness.

Cough Specialist, Chest Specialist, Sleep Apnea Specialist, Asthma Specialist, Lung Specialist

The Theme for World Malaria Day 2025

The 2025 Theme for World Malaria Day is “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” which highlights the need for renewed commitment, continued investment, and innovative strategies in the fight against malaria.

History of World Malaria Day

In 2008, Malaria was first celebrated, Progress Africa Malaria Day, which has been honored by African countries since 2021. The celebration and tribute provided an opportunity to assess the status of objectives targeted at preventing malaria and diminishing its humanity in African nations. In 2007, at the World Health Organization’s 60th session of the World Health Assembly, it was suggested that Africa Malaria Day be changed to World Malaria Day to acknowledge the disease’s global prevalence and increase awareness of the global effort to remove it.

• 27 countries announced fewer than 100 cases of malaria in 2018, up from 17 countries in 2010.
• Four countries- Argentina, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, and Algeria-wre certified malaria-free by WHO over the last 2 years.
• 38 countries and territories have achieved this milestone worldwide.

Prevention of Malaria Disease 

The following actions can assist in decreasing the risk of mosquito bites.

• Apply 20-35% N, N-Diethyl-Meta-Toluamide insect repellents to the body.
• Wear a dress with long pants and long sleeves when outside at night.
• During the night and day, use mosquito nets over the bed. 
• Spray Pyrethrin or a related insecticide in the bedroom before going to bed.
• Do not use stagnant water in household surroundings.
• Always close the water tubs with a cap.

Importance of World Malaria Day 

Malaria is squarely one of the dangerous parasitic diseases in the world, with almost over 21.9 crore cases and 4.3 lakh deaths in 2017 worldwide. In order to enhance awareness about the disease and its prevention is a top priority that involves educating individuals on early symptoms, treatment options, and precautions. According to research, increasing awareness of malaria prevention and symptoms, early diagnosis, and treatment of malaria can decrease the death rate.

World Malaria Day is a platform to grasp global attention and aid in decreasing the risk of people being affected. This was made clear in 2020 when the World Health Organization (WHO) disrupted its awareness services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a rise in the number of malaria cases per 1000 people (from 81/1000 in 2000 to 56/1000 in 2019 and 59/1000 in 2020). Compared to 2019, the mortality rate increased to 12% in 2020. It was approximately that between 2000 and 2020, 106 lakh people died from malaria, and 170 crore malaria cases were prevented globally. The WHO South-East Asia Region had the second-highest percentage of cases (8%), and deaths (95%) that were averted after the WHO African Region.

The Need For Investment in Malaria Control 

Important investments in healthcare infrastructure, prevention programs, and research have helped decrease malaria cases over the years. However, more funding is essential to guarantee widespread access to insecticide-treated bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and effective antimalarial medications. Health organizations, governments, and private sectors must collaborate to assist and enhance financial support for malaria extermination efforts.

FAQs

What do you mean by World Malaria Day?

Every year on 25th April, World Malaria Day is observed to increase awareness about malaria, its prevention, and efforts to control and remove the disease globally.

Why is World Malaria Day important?

It emphasizes the need for continued commitment and investment to malaria treatment, prevention, and research to accomplish a malaria-free world.

How is malaria transmitted?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Common symptoms include headache, fever, muscle pain, chills, vomiting, fatigue, and nausea. Severe cases may lead to organ failure and death if untreated.

Is malaria curable?

Yes, malaria is curable with proper treatment using antimalarial drugs prescribed by healthcare professionals.