World Malaria Day is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria. This year’s theme is “end malaria for good" and it reflects the vision of a malaria-free world set out in the global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female anopheles mosquitoes called malaria vectors. There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans- Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium malariae of which P. falciparum and P. vivax pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the most prevalent malaria parasite on the African continent and it is responsible for most malaria-related death globally.
Malaria is an acute febrile illness. Symptoms appear 7 days or more in a non-immune individual after the infective mosquito bite. First symptoms include headache, fever, chills, joint pain, flu and vomiting. It may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. If not treated within 24 hours, P.falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness like cerebral malaria often leading to death.
Vector control is the main way to prevent and reduce malaria transmission. Two forms of vector control- indoor residual spraying and insectides-treated mosquito nets- are effective in a wild range of circumstances. There are currently no vaccines against malaria and any other human parasites.
Antimalaria drugs can also be used to prevent malaria. For travelers, malaria can be prevented through chemoprophylaxis, which suppresses the blood stage of malaria infections, thereby preventing malaria disease. For pregnant women, intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended at each scheduled antenatal visit after the first trimester.
Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria reduces the disease and prevent deaths. The best available treatment is Artemisinin -based combination therapy (ACT) like the artemether/lumefantrine, artesunate/mefloquine, artesunate/amodiaquine etc.
Malaria eradication is defined as the permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of malaria infection. Once eradication has been achieved, intervention measures are no longer needed.
Malaria is preventable. End malaria for good.
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