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Renewed Efforts Needed to Combat Malaria Ahead of World Malaria Day
As World Malaria Day approaches this Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the urgent need for heightened initiatives at every level, ranging from global policy frameworks to grassroots community actions, to expedite the journey toward malaria eradication.
Malaria, transmitted by specific mosquito species, predominantly affects tropical regions. The illness manifests in various forms, presenting symptoms that can range from mild, such as fevers and chills, to severe life-threatening conditions that may include seizures and respiratory difficulties.
Currently, Africa continues to shoulder a disproportionate burden of malaria, accounting for approximately 94% of all cases and 95% of malaria-related fatalities in 2023. Alarmingly, a staggering 76% of these deaths were among children under the age of five.
Advancements in Elimination Efforts
WHO recalls that strategic policies adopted in the late 1990s have led to remarkable achievements, preventing over two billion malaria cases and nearly 13 million deaths since the turn of the millennium.
Consequently, 45 countries and one territory have achieved certification as malaria-free, while numerous others are actively pursuing eradication. Among the 83 countries still facing malaria, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases in 2023.
However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that maintaining these gains necessitates vigilance. He emphasized the fragility of progress, noting, “when we divert our attention, the disease resurges, taking its greatest toll on the most vulnerable.” This illustrates the need for unwavering focus on malaria interventions.
Yet, he remains optimistic, asserting that “with strong political commitment, sustained investment, multisectoral action, and community engagement, malaria can be defeated.”
Investments in Innovation
According to WHO, consistent investments in developing new vaccines and preventive measures are yielding positive results. On World Malaria Day, Mali will become one of 20 African countries introducing malaria vaccines, marking a significant milestone in protecting young children from this critical health threat. The widespread distribution of these vaccines is projected to save tens of thousands of lives annually.
Furthermore, the updated use of a new generation of insecticide-treated mosquito nets is expected to aid further in combating the disease.
Challenges to Progress
Despite notable advancements, malaria continues to pose a significant public health threat, with nearly 600,000 deaths recorded in 2023, predominantly in Africa. Challenges such as fragile healthcare systems, escalating drug and insecticide resistance, and insufficient access to prevention and treatment services for at-risk populations are impeding progress.
Compounding these issues are environmental factors like climate change, conflicts, poverty, and population displacements, while recent funding cuts threaten to undermine existing efforts and endanger millions of lives in endemic regions.
A Call to Action
The theme for World Malaria Day 2025 will be Malaria ends with us: reinvest, reimagine, reignite, with WHO advocating for increased political and financial commitments to safeguard the advancements made thus far.
To encourage reinvestment, WHO seeks collaboration with partners and civil society to enhance domestic expenditures in malaria-endemic countries, particularly in the realm of primary healthcare.
Additionally, the organization emphasizes the necessity to reignite commitment at all levels to eradicate malaria transmission, urging involvement from community members, health professionals, governments, researchers, private sector entities, and philanthropic donors. This multifaceted approach is vital to overcoming the ongoing challenges and achieving the goal of malaria elimination.
Source
news.un.org