World Malaria Day

25.04.2018 Category: News Author: Anna Chapman

World Malaria Day

Reaching the zero Malaria target

World Malaria Day takes place on 25th April each year, highlighting the global efforts to control malaria and celebrate the gains that have been made. Since 2000, the world has made historic progress against malaria, saving millions of lives. However, half the world still lives at risk from this preventable, treatable disease, which costs a child’s life every two minutes.
The heartbreaking truth is that malaria is a preventable and treatable disease.
In Western countries, nearly all malaria is caused by travelling, which is why it’s important to be prepared before you visit an area at risk of malaria. On World Malaria Day,  April 25th, the World Health Organisation has called for a focus on uniting the world to beat the disease once and for all.

How You can Prevent Malaria

Together with diagnosis and treatment, in areas where malaria is rife, WHO recommends:

  • Using antimalarial medication
  • Spraying indoor walls and your clothing with insecticides
  • Using insecticide-treated nets and window screens
  • Wear light-coloured, long sleeve clothing
  • Get rid of any stagnant water

Since 2017, the World Health Organization has supported a group of 21 malaria-eliminating countries through a special initiative called the “E-2020”. This report charts their progress towards a common goal: eliminating malaria within the 2020 timeline. According to this report, 8 E-2020 member countries reported zero indigenous cases of malaria in 2020, a remarkable achievement in view of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining zero cases is a testament to their commitment to protect hard-won gains and keep the disease at bay. You can find more on this report here.

More Information

Read more about malaria and how to you can prevent it.

For further information and a consultation with an experienced member of our travel team, you can book an appointment online here.