World Malaria Day is an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about the global effort to control and ultimately eradicate malaria, a life-threatening disease spread by Anopheles mosquitoes.
Quick Facts
When is it: April 25 annually
Tagged as: Global Health Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag: #WorldMalariaDay #ZeroMalaria
When was it founded: 2008
Who founded it: World Health Organization (WHO)
History of World Malaria Day
The day evolved from Africa Malaria Day, which African governments had been observing since 2001. During the 60th session of the World Health Assembly in 2007, WHO member states proposed changing it to World Malaria Day to recognize the disease’s global impact.
Timeline
- 2001: Africa Malaria Day established
- 2007: WHO proposes global observance
- 2008: First World Malaria Day celebrated
- 2024: Theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 25 | Friday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
| 2027 | April 25 | Sunday |
Observed By
The day is commemorated by all WHO member states, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and communities worldwide through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and healthcare initiatives.
Fun Facts About Malaria Day
- Over 100 countries worldwide report malaria cases
- Africa bears 94% of global malaria cases
- Children under 5 account for 76% of malaria deaths in Africa
- 14 countries have been certified malaria-free since 2015
Quiz
- When is World Malaria Day celebrated?
- What was World Malaria Day called before 2008?
- Which organization established World Malaria Day?
-(Answers: 1. April 25, 2. Africa Malaria Day, 3. WHO)
FAQs
- What causes malaria?
- Parasites transmitted through infected Anopheles mosquito bites
- Who is most at risk?
- Children under 5
- Pregnant women
- People with HIV/AIDS
- Travelers to endemic areas
- Is malaria preventable?
- Yes, through mosquito nets, preventive medicines, and insecticide spraying
Related
- World Health Day
- World Mosquito Day
- World AIDS Day
- World Tuberculosis Day
- World Patient Safety Day