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Mahesh

25/04/23 13:38 PM IST

World Malaria Day 2023

In News
  • World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25 to raise awareness of the global effort to control, prevent and eventually eradicate malaria.
  • The theme for World Malaria Day 2023 is "Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement", emphasizing the urgency to invest resources, innovate strategies and implement actions towards achieving the goal of zero malaria.
History
  • Malaria is an ancient disease that has plagued humanity for centuries.
  • The earliest records of malaria date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where the disease was known as "bad air" because it was thought to be caused by foul-smelling vapors from swamps and marshes. For centuries, malaria was one of the most deadly and widespread diseases in the world, killing millions of people every year.
  • It wasn't until the 20th century that scientists began to understand the true nature of malaria and develop effective treatments and prevention strategies.
  • In the 1950s and 60s, the use of DDT and other insecticides helped to greatly reduce the incidence of malaria in many parts of the world.
Significance
  • World Malaria Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the ongoing fight against malaria and to mobilize support for malaria control and prevention efforts around the world.
  • The day also provides an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight against malaria and to renew our commitment to achieving the ultimate goal of malaria eradication.
  • Malaria continues to be a major global health challenge, with an estimated 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths worldwide in 2019.
  • Most of these cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease disproportionately affects children under the age of five and pregnant women.
Source- Indian Express

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