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World Malaria Day: History, facts and 5 measures to prevent the infection

World Malaria Day highlights the urgency to invest in Malaria prevention and control

Every year on April 25, the globe observes World Malaria Day to raise the public's understanding of malaria, particularly how to avoid it and approaches to minimize the transfer and effect of this mosquito-borne disease globally. Malaria is a possibly deadly illness spread by the Anopheles mosquito, which feeds on people.

Governments around the world have made overall advancements in malaria management. Malaria killed a total of 619,000 persons globally in 2021, up from 625,000 at the beginning of the pandemic, as per WHO.

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History of World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day was introduced by WHO in 2008, substituting Africa Malaria Day, which was suggested to be rebranded at the World Health Assembly's 60th session in 2007. The goal of the event is to highlight the significance of ongoing investment and steadfast governmental commitment to malaria elimination and prevention.

Facts about Malaria you didn't know about

1. Malaria ranks as the third most fatal communicable disease among children aged one month to five years.

2. Plasmodium falciparum is the deadliest parasite of the five that can cause Malaria in the human body.

3. Malaria is not contagious through typical contact or sexual contact but can spread through blood transfusions, sharing needles, or during pregnancy.

4. Symptoms of Malaria range from none to severe, and onset can occur between 9 to 40 days after infection. Early symptoms include headache, fatigue, and vomiting, but without treatment, they can worsen, leading to loss of consciousness and impairing spinal cord and brain function.

5. Malaria is curable with prescription drugs, and the specific treatment depends on the type of Malaria strain the patient has been infected with.

5 measures that can help you fight the deadly infection

1. Administer mosquito repellent containing DEET (diethyltoluamide) on your skin.

Cover beds with mosquito netting.

2. Install screens on doors and windows.

3. Utilize an insect repellent called permethrin to treat fabrics, including clothing, mosquito nets, tents, and sleeping bags.

4. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to provide coverage for your skin.