What is World Malaria Day?
World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25th to raise global awareness about the deadly effects of malaria and to promote efforts towards eradicating the disease. Malaria is a life-threatening illness caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The day aims to spotlight the ongoing global malaria crisis and highlight innovations in malaria prevention, diagnostics, and treatment.
World Malaria Day is part of the broader global effort to combat the disease, which continues to be one of the most serious public health threats in many regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Let’s explore to understand more about malaria and the need for awareness.
World Malaria Day 2025 Theme
Each year, World Malaria Day is marked by a specific theme that focuses on a critical area of malaria prevention or awareness. The World Malaria Day theme for 2025 is Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite. As technology advances, new diagnostic tools and methods are emerging that promise to make early detection of malaria quicker, more accurate, and more accessible, especially in remote areas. This theme emphasizes the need for renewed commitment, innovative strategies, and continued investment in the fight against malaria
Early Warning Signs & Symptoms of Malaria:
Early warning signs and symptoms of malaria can mimic other medical conditions. However, the severity of malaria can vary, and symptoms might develop 10-15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. If left untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications, including organ failure, coma, or death, so seeking prompt medical attention if you suspect malaria is crucial. Common early warning signs of malaria include:
Symptoms | Description |
Fever | A high fever that can come on suddenly is one of the most common symptoms. |
Chills | Many people experience chills, which may be severe, followed by sweating. |
Sweating | After the chills, the fever may break, and the person may sweat profusely. |
Headache | A headache, often moderate to severe, is common in malaria cases. |
Fatigue | Feeling very tired or weak is typical, and it may persist even after other symptoms subside. |
Nausea and vomiting | Many individuals with malaria feel nauseous and may vomit. |
Muscle and joint pain | Aches and pains in muscles and joints are common. |
Anemia | The parasite destroys red blood cells, which can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count), causing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pallor. |
Cough | Some people develop a mild cough. |
Abdominal pain | Some individuals experience discomfort or pain in the abdomen. |
What Causes Malaria?
Malaria is caused by a parasite from the genus Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Here's how the transmission process works:
When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects Plasmodium parasites (in the form of sporozoites) into the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, the sporozoites travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. The liver may store the parasites for a while before they are released back into the bloodstream.
After leaving the liver, the parasites enter red blood cells, where they continue to multiply. This leads to the destruction of red blood cells, which causes malaria symptoms like fever, chills, and anemia.
If another mosquito bites a person who has the Plasmodium parasites in their blood, the mosquito becomes infected. The cycle can continue when that mosquito bites another person.
Several species of Plasmodium cause malaria in humans, with the most common being:
What Are the Different Diagnostic Tests for Malaria?
Malaria is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Early diagnosis is crucial, as malaria symptoms (fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, and fatigue) overlap with other illnesses. An internal medicine doctor typically suspects malaria based on clinical history (travel to endemic areas) and presenting symptoms.
Malaria needs to be diagnosed promptly to prevent complications, especially Plasmodium falciparum, which can cause severe illness and death. While microscopic examination (blood smears) remains the gold standard for malaria diagnosis, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and PCR tests provide important alternative diagnostic tools, especially in resource-limited settings. The key diagnostic methods for malaria include:
Microscopic Examination (Blood Smear Test)
Thick Blood Smear: A drop of blood is placed on a slide and spread thinly for microscopic examination. This method is used to detect the malaria parasite in the red blood cells. The thick smear is preferred to detect the parasite in low-density infections.
Thin Blood Smear: After the thick smear is examined, a thin blood smear is stained and examined under a microscope for the presence of malaria parasites. This test helps in identifying the species of the malaria parasite (e.g., Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax).
Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)
Antigen Detection Tests: These are blood tests that detect specific antigens released by the malaria parasites in the blood. They are particularly useful in areas where microscopy is not available. RDTs can detect Plasmodium falciparum or other types, often within 15-20 minutes.
Common commercial tests include the ICT Malaria Pf and CareStart Malaria RDT.
It generates quick results (15-20 minutes).
Useful in remote or resource-limited settings where microscopy may not be available.
It can be used at the point of care.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test
DNA Amplification: PCR can detect even very low levels of malaria parasites by amplifying the DNA of the parasite. PCR is used primarily for research or when confirming malaria in cases of uncertain diagnosis.
PCR tests can also differentiate between different species of Plasmodium and detect mixed infections.
Advantages:
Serology Tests
These tests detect antibodies produced in response to a malaria infection. However, they are not used for diagnosing active malaria because antibodies may remain in the blood even after the infection has cleared.
Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) are examples of serological tests.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
While a CBC doesn't directly diagnose malaria, it can show abnormalities such as low hemoglobin (anemia), low platelet count, and increased white blood cell count, which are common in malaria-infected individuals. These findings can help doctors suspect malaria, prompting the use of more definitive tests like blood smears or RDTs.
Hemozoin Detection (in Severe Malaria)
Hemozoin is a pigment produced by malaria parasites as they digest hemoglobin in red blood cells. It can be detected in the blood and used as a marker of malaria infection. This is more often seen in severe cases of malaria.
Ultrasound Imaging (for Severe Cases)
Ultrasound is not used for diagnosing malaria directly but may be employed to detect complications such as malaria-induced splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen), hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), or other organ damage in severe cases.
Malaria Vaccination: A Vital Tool in the Fight Against Malaria
Malaria vaccination is a significant breakthrough in the fight against malaria, with the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine being the first malaria vaccine approved for widespread use. This vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to defend against the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, the deadliest malaria species. While not a complete substitute for other preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets and antimalarial drugs, the vaccine provides an additional layer of protection, especially for children in endemic areas.
Its significance lies in reducing malaria incidence and severity, ultimately contributing to global efforts to eliminate malaria and save millions of lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the widespread use of the RTS,S/AS01 in 2021. The vaccine is seen as a critical tool in the broader strategy for malaria control and elimination, complementing existing prevention methods like insecticide-treated bed nets and antimalarial drugs.
Although the vaccine is a valuable step forward, ongoing research aims to develop even more effective vaccines with higher efficacy rates, as malaria remains a major health challenge in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Myths And Facts About Malaria:
Myth: Malaria only occurs in rural areas.
Fact: Malaria can occur in both rural and urban areas. While rural areas are more prone to mosquito breeding due to standing water, urban areas are also at risk, especially with poor sanitation and water management. Malaria transmission can occur in cities as well, particularly if the local mosquito population is infected.
Myth: You can only get malaria from an infected mosquito at night.
Fact: While Anopheles mosquitoes that spread malaria are primarily active during dusk and dawn, some species can also bite throughout the day. It’s important to protect oneself from mosquito bites at all times, particularly in malaria-endemic areas.
Myth: Malaria can be transmitted from person to person.
Fact: Malaria is not transmitted directly from person to person (except in rare cases such as through blood transfusions or from mother to child during pregnancy). It is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
Myth: Once you’ve had malaria, you are immune to it for life.
Fact: Having malaria once does not provide lifelong immunity. While repeated exposure may build partial immunity over time, it does not guarantee complete protection. Even individuals who have had malaria before can get infected again if exposed to the parasite.
Prevention Against Malaria: Do’s and Don’ts
Preventing malaria involves a combination of methods that reduce mosquito exposure and prevent the parasite from spreading. In addition to these, early detection of malaria is vital for effective prevention and treatment, and is, therefore, significant. Follow these simple Do’s and Don’ts to significantly reduce the risk of contracting malaria and protect yourself and others from this dangerous disease.
Do’s:
Apply an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin to keep mosquitoes away.
Sleep Under a Mosquito Net:
Use a mosquito net (preferably treated with insecticide) while sleeping, especially in areas where mosquitoes are most active during the night.
Wear Protective Clothing:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce skin exposure, especially during the evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active.
Ensure that windows and doors have mosquito screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces.
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Grounds:
Remove stagnant water around your home, as mosquitoes breed in standing water. Empty containers like buckets, flower pots, and old tyres that collect rainwater.
Take Antimalarial Medication (If Recommended):
If you are travelling to a malaria-endemic area, take antimalarial drugs as prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of infection.
Seek Medical Attention if You Have Symptoms:
If you experience symptoms like fever, chills, or fatigue, especially after travelling to a malaria-endemic area, seek medical attention immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.
Don’ts:
Don’t ignore early symptoms such as fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms, especially if you've been in an area where malaria is common. Prompt treatment is key to preventing complications.
Don’t Use Just Any Mosquito Net:
Avoid using untreated nets if possible. Use insecticide-treated nets for better protection, especially in malaria-endemic regions.
Don’t Assume You Can’t Get Malaria in Urban Areas:
Don’t assume malaria is only found in rural areas. Urban areas can also have mosquito-borne malaria, especially in areas with poor sanitation and standing water.
Don’t Leave Water Containers Unattended:
Don’t leave containers, tyres, or other items that collect water outside, as they can serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes. Regularly check for empty stagnant water.
Don’t Forget to Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions:
Don’t skip or alter the antimalarial medication regimen prescribed by your doctor, especially when travelling to endemic areas. Complete the full course even if you feel fine to ensure full protection.
Conclusion:
World Malaria Day is a critical moment each year to take stock of the global effort to eliminate malaria. Through continuous investments in research, technology, and better healthcare delivery, we can move closer to a malaria-free world. The celebration of World Malaria Day encourages governments, health organizations, and individuals to continue working together, understanding that the fight against malaria requires a collective global effort. Whether through awareness campaigns, improved malaria diagnostics, or increased malaria awareness, everyone can play a role in making this disease a thing of the past.
Article By Dr. Seema Dhir
Sr. Consultant - Internal Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is World Malaria Day celebrated?
World Malaria Day is celebrated through events, campaigns, and educational activities to raise awareness about malaria and promote malaria prevention efforts worldwide.
What are the key facts about malaria?
Malaria is a deadly disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by mosquitoes. It leads to over 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths annually, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa.
How does malaria spread?
Malaria is spread by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes that carry the Plasmodium parasite.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and fatigue, typically appearing between 7-30 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
How can malaria be prevented?
Prevention includes using insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying with insecticides, taking antimalarial drugs, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
How can individuals contribute to malaria prevention?
Individuals can help by using bed nets, applying insect repellents, and supporting malaria prevention campaigns and research.
What are the most effective malaria treatments?
The most effective treatments include artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), which are the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria.
How does climate change affect malaria transmission?
Climate change can alter the distribution of mosquitoes and the lifespan of the parasite, potentially expanding malaria transmission to new areas where it wasn’t previously a threat.
