WORLD MALARIA DAY
World Malaria Day – April 25
World Malaria Day, observed annually on April 25, highlights the global fight against malaria and the need for continued investment in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a major public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Southeast Asia. This day raises awareness about the importance of insecticide-treated bed nets, antimalarial medications, vaccines, and vector control measures in reducing malaria cases and deaths. It raises awareness of the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria. It also serves as a call to action for governments, researchers, and communities to work together to achieve the goal of malaria elimination and ensure a healthier future for all.
Resources
Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement
World Malaria Day is a collective effort by the international community to raise awareness and serve as an important reminder of the ongoing needs to address Malaria as a global health challenge and highlight the efforts on its elimination. Malaria is a disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease can cause fever, chills, and flu-like illness. If it is not treated, it can cause severe complications and death. The disease can be prevented with the use of medicines and other measures, such as insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor insecticide spraying. Malaria disproportionately affects the most marginalized populations in society, including the rural poor, children, pregnant women, migrants and refugees. It is widespread in the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe.
Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World
World Malaria Day was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007, and it is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and commitment to malaria prevention and control, as well as the advances that have already been made. The 2024 theme is “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world,” as people living in the most vulnerable situations continue to be disproportionately impacted; additionally, climate change and humanitarian emergencies, including natural disasters and conflicts in malaria-endemic countries, are displacing populations making them vulnerable to the disease.
Innovating for a Malaria-Free Generation, Are We Covered Enough?
A blog post written by ISID Emerging Leader, Nelisiwe Lynneth Mhlabane
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, and despite advancements in prevention and treatment, questions persist about the adequacy of current measures. Malaria, a preventable and treatable disease, continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported approximately 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths globally. The African region bears the heaviest burden, accounting for 94% of global cases and 95% of malaria-related deaths. Despite all the challenges, encouraging progress has been made. As of January 2025, 45 countries and one territory have been certified malaria-free by the WHO. Timor-Leste and Saudi Arabia maintained zero indigenous cases for three consecutive years, leading to their removal from the list of malaria-endemic countries.