New Delhi: The world marks Malaria Day on April 25, as an international recognition of the global efforts to control Malaria. The day is observed as a global call to various local and government healthcare authorities and policymakers to promote the action required to combat and eradicate the disease.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The disease is more prevalent in the tropical countries. In 2021, nearly half of the world’s population was at risk of malaria. There were an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide, with estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 6,19,000.
Also Read: Oxford University, Serum Institute Of India Tie-up Delivers ‘High Efficacy’ Malaria Vaccine
According to WHO’s World Malaria Report 2022, the South-East Asia Region accounted for about 2 per cent of the burden of malaria cases globally. Of the total, India was responsible for 79 per cent of the cases and 83 per cent of malaria deaths.
Globally, nearly 6,19, 000 people in 2021 succumbed to the disease, according to the World Malaria Report, published in December 2022.
Theme of Malaria Day 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked the 2023 theme as, ‘Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement,’ focusing on raising awareness about the need to implement the available tools and strategies to control and eventually eradicate the disease.
How is Malaria Caused?
Malaria is an illness caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to humans by insect bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria in humans is caused by five parasitic species, of which, P. Falciparum and P. Vivax are the most dangerous.
Globally, nearly 6,19, 000 people in 2021 succumbed to the disease, according to the World Malaria Report, published in December 2022.
Symptoms of Malaria
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of Malaria include fever, flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headaches, muscle aches, and tiredness. Besides, a person may also experience nausea, vomiting, and Diarrhoea. Malaria may cause Anaemia and Jaundice (yellow colouring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells and an increase in the heart rate.
Types of Malaria
There are four kinds of Malaria parasites infecting humans: Plasmodium Falciparum, P. Vivax, P. Ovale, and P. Malariae. According to the WHO, more than 70 per cent of global malaria deaths are attributable to Plasmodium Falciparum, often because of delayed treatment. The global health agency says that reaching remote populations with malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is a critical strategy for achieving the global malaria targets and delivering on the promise of “zero malaria.”
Prevention
- Vaccination for malaria helps provide immunity, howevevr, the WHO’s recommendations only state the widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.
- Malaria, in most cases, is spread through mosquito bites. To avoid this, one must keep the exposed parts of the body covered, especially those living in high-risk areas.
- Use mosquito repellents when outdoors, as they not only protect from the disease but many other insect-related diseases such as Dengue, chikungunya, and Yellow feve. DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone containing repellents are encouraged to protect you from malaria.
- Reused needles can transmit multiple diseases into your body, so being careful is crucial. While getting an injection of any kind, always make sure the medical staff is using a new one.
- Preventive measures against malaria should be taken at all times. While indoors, you are encouraged to use nets around the bed, sitting area, etc.
Also Read: At Davos, Health Fund Head Says Climate Change Behind Global Malaria Spike
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
