World Malaria Day
Every year on April 25, World Malaria Day is observed to acknowledge global efforts to control and eradicate malaria.
The aim of this day is to raise awareness and educate the masses about malaria, its prevention, treatments, and encouraging governments, organizations to fight against it.
Malaria, the life-threatening disease is caused by parasites the spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
It is said that 3.3 billion people across 106 countries are affected from malaria with the highest number of cases and deaths happening in Africa.
Other affected regions include Asia, several parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Although many efforts were taken to reduce malaria, it still remains serious issue in many parts of the wall.
History of World Malaria Day
The World Health Assembly created World Malaria Day in May 2007. This group is the decision-making group of the World Health Organization or WHO.
World Malaria Day was previously known as Africa Malaria Day that was observed on April 25 every year.
Africa Malaria Day first begun in 2001 which is a year after the Abuja Declaration, an agreement to fight malaria was signed by 44 countries affected by Malaria.
Malaria Throughout Centuries
Malaria has been around for thousands of years with evidence showing that the parasite that causes P. falciparum malaria has existed for at least 50,000–100,000 years.
However, with the growth of agriculture and human settlements, the diseases became more prevalent around 10,000 years ago.
Ancient civilizations like those in India and Rome recorded fevers that replicated the symptoms of Malaria.
The Romans called it the “Roman fever” as it was very common in their empire especially in swampy areas where mosquitoes bred rapidly.
Scientists began making major breakthroughs about malaria during the 19th century. Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran found parasites insides the red blood cells of infected people in 1880.
This research proved that malaria was indeed caused by a microorganism.
Sir Ronald Ross discovered that the disease was transmitted through mosquitoes and this research helped develop control measures like draining swamps and utilizing mosquito nets.
This work was crucial in preventing malaria in places like the Panama Canal, where many workers had fallen sick.
For several centuries, people depended on cinchona tree bark that contains quinine for treating malaria.
The remedy was introduced during the 1600s in Europe and during the 20th century, new drugs like chloroquine came into the scene to replace quinine.
But as time went on, malaria parasites became resistant to them.
A Chinese scientist Tu Youyou discovered artemisinin which was a powerful antimalarial drug in the 1970s.
This drug was derived from the Artemisia annua plant, based on ancient Chinese medicine.
For this groundbreaking work, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2015.
How to Observe World Malaria Day
Observing World Malaria Day involves raising awareness, supporting prevention efforts, and advocating for a malaria-free world.
Individuals can participate by learning about malaria’s impact and sharing information on social media to educate others.
Donating to organizations that provide mosquito nets, medicines, and vaccines can help protect vulnerable communities.
Schools and workplaces can host events, such as seminars or fundraisers, to promote awareness and action. Governments and health organizations can use the day to launch new initiatives, strengthen policies, and invest in research for better treatments.
By working together, we can help reduce malaria cases and move closer to its eradication.
