World Malaria Day 2023: Every year on April 25, the world commemorates World Malaria Day (WMD), which recognises global efforts to control malaria. The aim of World Malaria Day is to raise awareness of the devastating impact of malaria and to mobilize resources and support for malaria control and prevention programs in endemic countries. The day provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations, and governments to recommit their commitment to eliminating malaria, a preventable and treatable disease.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Malaria Day 2023: Theme
The theme of World Malaria Day 2023 will be “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement.” Within this theme, WHO will focus on the third “i” – implement – and notably the critical importance of reaching marginalized populations with the tools and strategies that are available today.
World Malaria Day 2023: Significance
The importance of World Malaria Day is that it increases awareness of the global struggle to control, prevent, and eventually eradicate malaria. Malaria is a parasitic disease that is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and is a major public health concern in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 90% of malaria deaths occur.
The commemoration of World Malaria Day gives a chance to mobilise resources and support for malaria control and preventive programmes in endemic countries. It is a reminder that malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, and that with continued effort and investment, we can end malaria for good.
World Malaria Day is also significant because it brings together individuals, organizations, and governments to renew their commitment to eliminating malaria. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to malaria control that includes the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, early diagnosis, prompt and effective treatment, and malaria vaccine development.
World Malaria Day: History
Every year on April 25, World Malaria Day is observed to promote awareness of the global struggle to control, prevent, and eventually eradicate malaria. The day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2007 during the 60th session of the World Health Assembly, WHO’s decision-making body.
The concept of World Malaria Day was first proposed in 2001 by African nations at the Roll Back Malaria Summit in Abuja, which was attended by 44 African leaders. The objective was to raise awareness about the devastating impact of malaria and to mobilize resources and support for malaria control and prevention programs in endemic countries.
On April 25, 2008, the first World Malaria Day was observed under the theme “Malaria: A Disease Without Borders.” The day was chosen to commemorate the day in 2000 when African leaders gathered in Abuja and made a commitment to reduce malaria-related deaths on the continent by 50% by 2010. Since then, World Malaria Day has been celebrated annually on April 25 with a different theme each year.
