World Malaria Day 2021: Reaching “Zero Malaria” Target
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- April 25, 2021
World Malaria Day, one of the 11 official global public health campaigns, was established so as to educate the people and make them understand the disease better.
This day, 25th of April, was initially known as African Malaria Day until May 2007 when it was renamed World Malaria Day by the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, a decision making body of World Health Organization.
Malarial disease is recognized as a global disease as it is seen in the most recent World Malaria Report in which there has been about 1.5 billion cases of malaria and 7.6 million malaria deaths between 2000-2019.
In 2012, Malaria caused about 627,000 deaths mostly among African Children.
To create awareness, the World Malaria Day is observed every year on 25th April.
On this day people are educated on the need to eliminate, prevent and control this disease. This day also gives international bodies and foundations a chance to work together to eradicate this disease.
WHO also celebrates the accomplishments of those nations that are on the verge to eradicate this disease.
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day is Reaching The Zero Malaria Target.
Here are some facts about Malaria:
- Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites which are spread from one person to another through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- The symptoms of Malaria usually appear 10-15 days after the mosquito bite and these symptoms include fever, headache and chills.
- Malaria can be prevented through vector control which includes use of insecticides-treated mosquito nets and application of mosquito repellents and spray.
