World malaria day is designed to highlight awareness investment and commitment to the eradication of malaria. It was started by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007. There’s a yearly theme and the theme for 2023 is “TIME TO DELIVER ZERO MALARIA: INVENT, INNOVATE AND IMPLEMENT “. A call to implement the currently available tools and strategies to reach those who are in need at the western Pacific.
The overall aim of world malaria day is to spread awareness of the disease and to raise money for charities that are fighting to eradicate it.
It is also a day to celebrate the advancement in treating malaria and the decreasing rates of malaria worldwide. In 2000 there were 896,000 reported cases of malaria, and in 2019 there were 558,000.
WHAT IS MALARIA
It is a serious tropical disease that is spread by mosquitoes. The disease is both preventable and curable, but without quick medical attention and treatment, it can be fatal.
The disease causes severe flu-like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, and muscle pain. If left untreated, this can quickly develop into life-threatening conditions such as organ failure.
The disease can be fatal for anyone, but most severely affects children and pregnant women.
Malaria is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical countries-this means that a lot of malaria cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
HOW IS MALARIA SPREAD?
Malaria is a disease carried through the blood. It is often transmitted by mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes become infected by biting a person who already has malaria. Then, when the mosquito bites other people, they also become infected with the disease. If someone is pregnant when they become infected, they can pass on the infection to their unborn baby.
It is also possible to be infected with malaria through blood transfusions or organ donations if the donor has malaria.
PREVENTION OF MALARIA DISEASE
It is easier to minimize the spread of malaria. With preventive vaccines, mosquito nets, and medication for those infected, there’s more support and awareness now than there was before.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent malaria, but vaccines are still very expensive and difficult to access for those in more remote communities. In this case, preventive measures such as mosquito nets, insect repellents, and protective clothing should be used.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA
You could raise money for the charities that provide support and relief to the communities most affected by malaria.
Why not hold some fundraising events to raise some money?
Example of fundraising
- Have a bake sale
- Hold a read-a-thin
- You could organize a teacher fun run. Etc.