World Malaria Day (April 25): Observed annually, promoting global action against malaria. The 2025 theme is “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and sustained commitment.
India’s Progress: Achieved an 80.5% decline in malaria cases between 2015-2023 and a 78.38% reduction in deaths over the same period, exiting WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024.
India’s Targets: Aims for zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and full elimination by 2030.
Key Strategies: “Test, Treat, Track” approach, intensified malaria elimination projects (IMEP), and vector control measures (mosquito nets, repellents). National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016–2030) and National Strategic Plan (2023–2027) guide efforts.
Malaria Basics: Caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted via Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, chills, and headache, appearing 10-15 days post-infection. Early diagnosis and treatment (ACTs, chloroquine) are critical.
Global Context: Malaria remains a significant global health issue, with an estimated 597,000 deaths in 2023.
Elimination Focus: Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 high-burden districts. Community participation and inter-sectoral collaboration are emphasized.
Prevention: Preventing malaria can be achieved by avoiding mosquito bites and, in some cases, by taking preventive medicines.
