Why is World Malaria Day celebrated (WHO)

World Malaria Day, observed on April 25 each year, is an important occasion to reflect on the progress, challenges and hopes in the fight against a disease that has affected humanity for centuries. This date, established by the World Health Organization ( WHO ), aims to raise global awareness about the burden of malaria and promote coordinated action to prevent and control this disease.

Malaria, also known as malaria, is a mosquito-borne disease that has claimed millions of lives throughout history and has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable populations around the world. Despite significant advances in prevention and treatment, malaria remains a significant public health threat in many regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa . In this article, we will explore the history of World Malaria Day , progress in the fight against the disease, current challenges, and hopes for a malaria-free future.

History of World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day was established in 2007 during the World Health Assembly, where WHO member states agreed to dedicate a specific day to raising awareness about malaria and the importance of investing in its prevention and control. The chosen date, April 25, commemorates the date on which Dr. Ronald Ross discovered the link between Anopheles mosquitoes and the transmission of malaria in 1897, a crucial milestone in the understanding of the disease.

Since then, World Malaria Day has served as an annual reminder of the need to continue fighting this deadly and preventable disease. WHO and its partners take this opportunity to highlight progress and challenges in the fight against malaria and promote concrete actions to move towards a world free of this disease.

Advances in the Fight against Malaria

Over the years, significant progress has been made in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Some of the notable milestones include:

Effective Treatments
The availability of effective antimalarial treatments, such as artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT), has revolutionized the management of malaria. These drugs are more effective, faster and safer compared to previous therapies, which has led to a significant reduction in malaria mortality.

Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets
The distribution of insecticide-treated nets has been a key approach in malaria prevention. These nets act as physical barriers that protect people while they sleep, in addition to killing mosquitoes that come into contact with the insecticide. This strategy has been shown to be highly effective in reducing malaria transmission.

Malaria Vaccines
The development of the first malaria vaccine, known as RTS,S/AS01, marked a historic milestone in the fight against the disease. Although this vaccine is partially effective and does not provide complete immunity, its introduction in some areas has been shown to reduce the burden of malaria in children.

Investments in Research
Investment in scientific research has provided a solid foundation for the development of new tools and strategies in the fight against malaria. Innovation in areas such as mosquito genetics, drug resistance and epidemiology has led to a better understanding of the disease and more effective approaches to its control.

Global Collaboration
The fight against malaria has seen unprecedented global collaboration. International organizations, governments, NGOs, the private sector and civil society have worked together to address malaria comprehensively. This collaboration has been fundamental to the progress achieved so far.

Challenges in the Fight against Malaria

Despite notable progress, the fight against malaria continues to face significant challenges around the world. Some of the most pressing challenges include:

Drug Resistance
Resistance to antimalarial drugs, such as artemisinin, is a growing concern. The spread of resistant strains of the malaria parasite poses a serious threat to effective treatments and may reverse the progress made in recent decades.

Limited Access to Quality Care
In many malaria-affected areas, access to quality healthcare remains limited. This includes early diagnosis and effective treatment, which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality from the disease.

Lack of Financial Resources
Despite the efforts made, funding for the fight against malaria is often insufficient to achieve the established objectives. Lack of financial resources can hinder the implementation of key interventions.

Climate Change and Human Mobility
Climate change may influence the distribution of malaria vector mosquitoes, which in turn affects disease transmission. Additionally, human mobility, such as migration, can contribute to the spread of malaria to new areas.

Health Inequalities
Health inequalities remain a fundamental problem in the fight against malaria. The most vulnerable populations, such as children and rural communities, continue to be hardest hit by the disease.

Despite the challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about a malaria-free future. The global health community is committed to fighting the disease, and steps are being taken to address existing challenges. Some of the hopes for a malaria-free future include:

Continuous Research and Development
Investment in research and development remains a priority. Research is underway to develop new, more effective vaccines, innovative treatments and malaria control strategies.

Strengthening Health Systems
Improving health systems is essential to ensure that people have access to quality health care, including timely diagnosis and treatment of malaria. This implies investing in infrastructure and training of health personnel.

Integrated Approaches
The fight against malaria benefits from an integrated approach that addresses the social, economic and environmental factors that influence the transmission of the disease. This includes education, hygiene and sanitation promotion, and control of mosquito vectors.

Global Cooperation
Global cooperation remains essential. Coordinated efforts globally enable a more equitable distribution of resources and a more effective response to malaria crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Empowerment
Empowering local communities to participate in malaria prevention and control is essential. This includes participating in the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets and promoting healthy behaviors.

World Malaria Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges in the fight against a disease that has affected humanity for centuries. Despite the obstacles, the global health community is committed to the pursuit of a malaria-free world. With continued research, global collaboration and a comprehensive approach, there is reason to be optimistic about the future. Malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, and with a concerted effort, we can move towards a world where this disease is a thing of the past. Every April 25, let us remember our commitment to fight malaria and work together to achieve a healthier future free of this devastating disease.