World Malaria Day 2025, observed on April 25, highlights the urgent need for renewed global efforts against malaria. The theme "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite" emphasizes the importance of collective action to eliminate malaria.

 

*Current State of Malaria:*

 

- 263 million new cases worldwide in 2023

- 600,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, mostly in the African Region (95% of global cases)

- Children under five and pregnant women are disproportionately affected

 

*Progress in India:*

 

- 69% reduction in malaria cases from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023

- Exited High Burden to High Impact group in 2024 due to sustained progress

- 83.34% reduction in malaria morbidity and 92% reduction in malaria mortality between 2000 and 2019

 

*Key Strategies for Malaria Elimination:*

 

- *Reinvest*: Ensure financial sustainability through domestic resource mobilization and efficient use of existing funds. There's a funding gap of $4.3 billion a year that needs to be bridged.

- *Reimagine*: Leverage digital tools, strong surveillance, and adaptive delivery models, including:

    - *Community-led case management*

    - *Cross-border collaboration*

    - *Digital health solutions* for real-time decision-making

    - *New malaria vaccines*, such as RTS,S and R21, which are giving hope, especially for young children

- *Reignite*: Prioritize community engagement, promote innovation, and advocate for increased investment in malaria control and elimination programs

 

*Prevention and Control Measures:*

 

- *Use insecticide-treated mosquito nets* while sleeping

- *Apply mosquito repellents* containing DEET or picaridin

- *Eliminate stagnant water* to prevent mosquito breeding

- *Wear long-sleeved clothing*, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active

- *Take antimalarial medications* as prescribed when traveling to high-risk areas

 

India's progress in malaria elimination is notable, but continued efforts are necessary to achieve the goal of malaria elimination by 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) joins the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in promoting the "Malaria Ends With Us" campaign, aiming to re-energize efforts at all levels to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination