World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day is observed on 25 April every year to recognize global efforts to fight malaria globally. The day is organized by the WHO and was established in the 60th session of the World Health Assembly in May 2007. The day was formed to present information and improves 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.”

 The day was established to provide “education and understanding of malaria” and spread information on World Malaria Day 2020 WHO and RBM form a partnership to end malaria with the campaign “Zero malaria starts with me” a campaign aimed to keep malaria high on the political agenda, organize additional resources, and authorize local authorities to take ownership of prevention and care of the disease. 

The report for 2019 shows that no substantial gains have been made in reducing the number of malaria cases between 2014 and 2018. The zero malaria campaign wants to engage more members in civil society from political leaders controlling governmental policy, the private sector that will benefit from a malaria-free workforce, and the local communities affected by malaria.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is transmitted by infected mosquitoes bites. the parasite causing malaria Plasmodium parasites and is spread through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes, called “malaria vectors”. The symptoms of the disease occur 10 to 15 days after being bitten by the infected mosquitoes. Children with severe malaria can have symptoms such as severe anemia and respiratory distress. Adults can go in multi-organ failure

Symptoms of malaria are:-

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle pain and fatigue.

There two major types of malaria in India Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum Malaria is common in Asia, Africa, and South America.  

To diagnose malaria the doctor will review your medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam. The doctor near me will order blood tests at home. The blood tests detect the type of malaria parasite and confirm the presence of the parasite.  

Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease. If diagnosed early malaria can be treated with no complications. Treatment option depends on the severity of the disease, the type of parasite, and if ant malarial tablets were taken. The doctor near me may treat your condition with a combination of the drugs. 

India has been showing declining trends of malaria from 2 million cases in 2001 to 1 million cases in 2017. India still has 90% of the cases in South East Asia. Global targets cannot be achieved without involving India.

The Government of India developed the National Framework of Malaria Elimination and National Strategic Plan (NSP, 2017-18) with the aim to eliminate malaria in Category 1 and category 2 districts in 2022. Category 3 or high transmission districts aims to bring it under pre-elimination status.

The NSP is initially targeting low and moderate transmission districts (Category 1 and category 2). Surveillance is an important part of the malaria elimination program aimed at assessing transmission and thereby ranking it for interventions and monitoring the impact of the intervention. Rapid Diagnostic Testing for people who live in malaria districts has improved diagnosis.

To prevent the spread of malaria  you need to prevent mosquito bites.  There are effective measures suggested by the government:-