Globally every 2 minutes, a child dies of malaria. Each year, more than 200 million new cases of the disease are reported.

On 25 April each year, World Malaria Day aims to raise awareness about global efforts to control the spread of malaria and celebrate the improvements that have been made in the areas of treatment, prevention and education. 

A key focus is on remote communities, particularly in developing countries, where malaria has significantly higher mortality rates. So, let’s dive into what World Malaria Day is all about!

What is malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease, transmitted through the female Anopheles mosquito, that has been infected by the plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites someone, this parasite is released into the bloodstream of the person. 

Another way malaria can be transmitted is through blood transfusions or organ transplants.

Why is malaria prevention a serious global issue?

In 2020, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reported that an estimated 627,000 people died of malaria. An estimated 95% of these deaths were in the WHO African Region. The tragedy is that malaria is both a treatable and curable disease, however it can be fatal when the disease is not detected or treatment has not started early enough.

Access to adequate healthcare is a driving factor in the high malarial mortality rate in tropical and subtropical regions such as Africa, South America and South East Asia. Widespread infection rates, across communities and multiple continents, with many cases still going unreported, is what makes malaria prevention a global issue.

When was World Malaria Day established?

In 2007, World Malaria Day was established at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly. It was proposed that what was once commemorated as Africa Malaria Day should be changed to World Malaria Day. From then on, World Malaria Day has recognised the disease’s global impact, rather than focusing on African communities exclusively.

What is the theme for World Malaria Day 2022?

This year’s theme is “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives”, which calls for new diagnostics and medicines to speed up the pace of progress against malaria.

Led by the World Health Organisation, World Malaria Day 2022 is calling on investors and innovators to do their part in creating new vector control approaches and other tools, which will assist in the fight against malaria globally.

How you can make a difference this World Malaria Day

This World Malaria Day, join us in the fight to eradicate suffering caused by this disease in remote and rural areas. You can help a child sleep safe at night by donating the gift of an insecticide-treated mosquito net, as this is the most cost-effective way to prevent children contracting the disease.

Your support can change the life of a child, and help us reach zero cases of malaria globally.