‘Ready to Beat Malaria’ is aptly the theme of this year’s World Malaria Day by the World Health Organization (WHO). This theme underscores the collective energy and commitment of the global malaria community in uniting around the common goal of a world free of malaria.
It highlights the remarkable progress achieved in tackling one of humanity’s oldest diseases and also pinpoints the emerging worrying trends as captured in the 2017 World malaria report:
In 2016, there were 216 million cases of malaria worldwide with 445 000 malaria-related deaths. The funding available to fight the disease in 2016 was $2.7 billion according to WHO. Contributions from governments of endemic countries amounted to US$ 800 million, representing 31% of funding.
Africa carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2016, the region was home to 90% of malaria cases and 91% of malaria deaths.
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites. The parasites are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, called “malaria vectors.” There are 5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat.
P. falciparum is the most prevalent malaria parasite on the African continent. It is responsible for most malaria-related deaths globally. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa.
The first symptoms – fever, headache, and chills– may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. If not treated within 24 hours, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness, often leading to death.
Children with severe malaria frequently develop one or more of the following symptoms: severe anaemia, respiratory distress in relation to metabolic acidosis, or cerebral malaria. In adults, multi-organ involvement is also frequent. In malaria endemic areas, people may develop partial immunity, allowing asymptomatic infections to occur.
The 25th of April of every year is designated as World Malaria Day by WHO.
