Last Updated on 24 April 2024 IST | World Malaria Day 2024 showcases global efforts to combat and eliminate malaria, a deadly disease spread by infected mosquitoes. Despite progress, malaria remains a major public health challenge in many areas. Individuals, communities, and institutions come together to make a difference and stand in solidarity against malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) aids countries in their fight to eradicate malaria. In 2022, there were 249 million malaria cases worldwide, a 5 million increase from the previous year. Tragically, malaria claimed the lives of 608,000 individuals, slightly surpassing the 610,000 deaths in 2021, with 76% being children under five.
World Malaria Day 2024: Key Points
- World Malaria Day raises awareness about efforts to eradicate malaria and minimize its impact.
- It is celebrated on April 25 annually.
- This day highlights the success of countries in the malaria fight.
- A recent launch of a new initiative aims to halt transmission of the disease in 25 more countries by 2025.
- It was established by the WHO Member States during the 2007 World Health Assembly.
- World Malaria Day 2024: “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
- Malaria affects 3.3 billion people in 106 countries worldwide.
- Malaria killed an estimated 619,000 people in 2021, the majority of them being African youngsters.
- China has reported zero indigenous malaria cases since 2017 and was certified malaria-free by WHO in 2021.
- Two countries reported fewer than 1000 malaria cases in 2020: the Republic of Korea and Vanuatu.
- Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Vanuatu and Viet Nam all reported zero indigenous malaria deaths in 2020.
- Supreme God Kabir can make this earth disease-free.
What is Malaria and Why is it Important to Address?
Malaria is an avoidable and curable illness that has a greater impact on low-income nations in tropical and subtropical areas. It can result in severe sickness, such as intense fever, chills, and symptoms resembling the flu. If left untreated, malaria can be deadly. It is imperative to tackle malaria as it not only affects the well-being of individuals but also hampers the social and economic progress of communities and countries.
How Can We Prevent Malaria?
- Use of Insect Repellent: Applying insect repellent that contains DEET can provide effective protection against mosquito bites..
- Sleeping Under Mosquito Nets: Using insecticide-treated bed nets while sleeping can lower the chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes carrying diseases.
- Taking Antimalarial Medications: It is crucial to take antimalarial medications as directed by healthcare professionals when visiting regions where malaria is prevalent.
- Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites: Eliminating stagnant water near your house can assist in decreasing the number of mosquitoes.
The Role of Global Initiatives in Malaria Control
The WHO and other organizations are leading global efforts to combat malaria through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and the development of new tools. Partnerships and collaboration have resulted in significant progress in reducing cases and saving lives. In this regard World Malaria Day is observed on April 25th each year. In 2021, a new initiative aims to stop malaria transmission in 25 more countries by 2025.
History of WORLD MALARIA DAY
World Malaria Day (WMD) is observed annually on April 25th to raise awareness about global efforts to manage, prevent, and eliminate malaria. Established by the WHO in 2007, this day educates individuals on malaria, shares national control plans, and promotes community involvement. The first international celebration was in 2008.
Why is April 25 observed as World Malaria Day?
World Malaria Day on April 25th after taking inspiration from Africa Malaria Day which has been commemorated by African governments since 2001 on April 25th. Raises awareness about the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control. It educates people about the disease, shares national strategies, promotes prevention and treatment and emphasizes the need for continued investment and political commitment. It was instituted by the WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007.
When was the First World Malaria Day Observed?
The 60th session of the World Health Assembly, as well as the decision-making body that first established World Malaria Day in May 2007, kicked off the day.
World Malaria Day 2024 Theme
This year, World Malaria Day is celebrated with the theme of “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world”. Within this theme, WHO will try Putting an end to unfair treatment and negative labels involving local communities in making health choices and in providing health services
The Yaoundé Declaration
In March, Health Ministers from nations with the highest malaria burden committed to speeding up reductions in malaria deaths by signing the Yaoundé Declaration. The Declaration emphasizes the importance of equal access to services. By signing, the Ministers promised to tackle the malaria problem sustainably and fairly.
Information on the five different types of Malaria
Five species of Plasmodium (single-celled parasites) can infect humans and cause illness:
- Plasmodium falciparum (or P. falciparum)
- Plasmodium malariae (or P. malariae)
- Plasmodium vivax (or P. vivax)
- Plasmodium ovale (or P. ovale)
- Plasmodium knowlesi (or P. knowlesi).
What is the specific name of the Malaria vaccine?
In October of 2021, Mosquirix, the first authorized malaria vaccine, is recommended by the WHO for children as a preventive measure against malaria. RTS,S/AS01 has shown 36% efficacy in reducing clinical malaria cases in children aged 5–17 months, with pilot studies in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi showing a 13% decrease in child mortality.
WHO recommends the R21 vaccine as the second malaria vaccine after the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine.
Which Drug is Best for Malaria?
Chloroquine is the best-preferred treatment for any parasite that is sensitive to the drug. Other common antimalarial drugs include:
- Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
- Quinine sulfate (Qualaquin) with doxycycline (Oracea, Vibramycin, others)
- Primaquine phosphate
FAQ About World Malaria Day 2024
Ans. Dr. Alphonse Laveran, a military doctor in France’s Service de Santé des Armées (Health Service of the Armed Forces). The military hospital in Constantine (Algeria), where Laveran discovered the malaria parasite in 1880.
Ans. Malaria is not caused by a virus or bacteria. Malaria is caused by a parasite known as Plasmodium, which is normally spread through infected mosquitoes. A mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected human, taking in Plasmodia which are in the blood.
Ans. AIDS, TB, and malaria should not be classified as “merely” epidemics or endemic diseases. These are pandemics that have been defeated in developed nations.
Why do People Have to Suffer From Diseases?
It is undeniable that our birth is determined by our actions, known as Karmas. The truth is, we have been drawn towards Kaal (Brahm) and have strayed from our benevolent God who brings us happiness. We have failed to remain faithful to the Supreme God (Kabir Sahib Ji, our eternal Father), and as a result, our suffering began. This is why happiness seems to elude everyone, regardless of their wealth, poverty, or social status.
Also Read: On World Book Day Read Sant Rampal Ji’s Sacred Books
Looking at us suffering from deadly diseases, Our Father (Kabir Sahib Ji) cries a lot, as parents cannot see their children in pain. We left our home (Satlok) for Kaal and started following the fake practices told by him (Kaal) which are against our Father’s wish. Kabir Sahib Ji mentioned in His verse that He cries for His children, and they are crying for Me. No one can understand this love and affection. The lines are as follows:
Main rowat hu srishti ko, Ye srishti rowe Mohe |
Garibdas is viyog ko, Samjh na skta koye ||
In other verses God Kabir Ji says –
Kabir, Teen lok pinjra bhya, paap punya do jaal |
Sabhi jeev bhojan bhaye, ek khaane waala Kaal ||
Garib, Ek paapi ek punyi aaya, Ek hai soom dalel re |
Bina bhajan koi kaam nahin aavae, Sab hai yam ki jail re ||
This means that Kaal has captured all the living beings in the cage of the three Lokas by entangling them in the net of karm-bharm and sins-virtues. And only by taking Naam Diksha (Initiation) from a True Guru one gets rid of this trap.
Which Is the True Devotion?
As India is a diverse country. Here, people worship several deities thinking that they are reciting the True Naam. Also, in other parts of the world, people do bhakti (devotion) against the scriptures.
The method of true Bhakti is mentioned in our Holy Books. It is mentioned in Gita JI also that The Supreme God is, however, someone else, who by entering into the three Lokas sustains everyone and is called as Eternal Supreme God.
- Gita Ji Adhyay no. 15 Shlok no. 16
Dwau, imau, purushau, loke, ksharH, ch, aksharH, ev, ch,
KsharH, sarvani, bhootani, kootasthH, aksharH, uchyate
Kabir Saheb Ji said in this verse that the Supreme Power never takes birth from the womb of a mother. This is the identity of God.
Kabir, Ram krishna avatar hain, Inka naahi sansaar |
Jin Sahib sansaar kiya, So kinhu na janmya naari ||
At present only Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the True Spiritual Saint Who provides true devotion based on the scriptures. So, one should not waste time in order to get rid of deadly diseases because Only a True Saint has the power to change destiny even if it is death. He can increase the life of His devotees.
Masa ghte na til bdhe, Bidhna likhe jo lekh |
Saacha Satguru metkar, Upar maarde mekh ||
It is requested from the people of the world to please identify the Supreme God as He only has the power to eradicate all the deadliest diseases which are created by Kaal to kill the humans as he got the hint that God is present on earth to take us back Home. For more in-depth information about Supreme God and His powers please watch the Spiritual Discourses of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj on YouTube’s Satlok Ashram channel.
