Key Points
- World Malaria Day 2025 is observed globally on April 25, themed “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” calling for renewed commitment and innovation in malaria control.
- Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a major health threat worldwide, with over 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths reported in 2022.
- There are five main types of malaria, each with distinct symptoms and risks.
- Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and in severe cases, coma or death.
- Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites, using insecticide-treated nets, eliminating breeding sites, and early diagnosis and treatment.
April 25 marks World Malaria Day, an annual event recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about malaria prevention, control, and the urgent need for renewed global action. The 2025 theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” highlights the importance of innovation, investment, and community collaboration to eliminate malaria.
Malaria remains a persistent challenge, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite progress, the disease still claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year and imposes a heavy economic burden on affected countries.
Understanding Malaria: Causes and Transmission
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once bitten, the parasite enters the bloodstream, multiplies in the liver, and infects red blood cells, leading to a range of symptoms.
The Five Types of Malaria
There are five main types of malaria, each caused by a different Plasmodium species and presenting unique risks and symptoms:
| Type | Key Features & Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Plasmodium falciparum | Most severe; can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness, severe shivering, headache, coma, and death if untreated. |
| Plasmodium vivax | Most common; symptoms may appear after 3 days, including high fever, headache, loss of appetite. Can relapse months after infection. |
| Plasmodium knowlesi | Zoonotic malaria; causes fever with shivering, can progress rapidly if untreated. |
| Plasmodium ovale | Can remain dormant in the liver for years, leading to relapses; symptoms similar to P. vivax. |
| Plasmodium malariae | Known as benign malaria; milder but can cause quartan fever (every 72 hours), and protein in urine. |
Common Symptoms of Malaria
Malaria symptoms typically appear 10–15 days after the mosquito bite. Common signs include:
- High fever, often with chills and sweating
- Headache and muscle pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
- Abdominal pain, joint pain, and sometimes cough
- In severe cases: jaundice, seizures, confusion, or coma
How to Prevent Malaria: Practical Tips
Effective malaria prevention requires a combination of personal, household, and community actions:
- Use Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs): Sleep under ITNs, especially in high-risk areas.
- Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS): Regularly spray homes with recommended insecticides to kill mosquitoes.
- Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites: Remove standing water, clear bushes, and maintain cleanliness around homes.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Apply Mosquito Repellent: Use creams or sprays on exposed skin before going outdoors.
- Install Screens: Fit windows and doors with wire mesh to prevent mosquito entry.
- Community Participation: Engage in local clean-up drives and awareness campaigns to reduce mosquito habitats.
- Early Detection and Treatment: Seek prompt medical care if symptoms appear; early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications and reduce transmission.
The Ongoing Challenge and Hope
World Malaria Day is a reminder that while significant progress has been made India, for example, has reduced malaria cases and deaths by 80% in the last decade malaria remains a threat, especially in vulnerable communities. The 2025 theme urges everyone to take part in ending malaria: through awareness, innovation, and collective action, a malaria-free world is possible.
