World Malaria Day (WMD) 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. Asia, Latin America, and to a lesser extent the Middle East and parts of Europe are also affected.
World Malaria Day 2023 will be marked under the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases worldwide, leading to approximately 627,000 deaths, with the majority of the cases and deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.
History & Significance of World Malaria Day in India
The observance of the Day in India can be traced back to 2007 when the first Malaria Day was observed on 25th April. The day was declared by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Since then, Malaria Day has been observed annually in India with a different theme of the day that reflects the need of the hour. The day is marked by various activities including health camps, awareness drives, and educational programs aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness about malaria and its prevention and control.
India has made progress in reducing the burden of malaria over the years. According to the World Malaria Report 2020, India accounted for about 88% of the malaria cases in the South-East Asia region in 2019, a decline of about 18% from 2018.
However, there is still a long way to go, and the observance of Malaria Day in India remains an important reminder of the need to continue the fight against this disease.