Today is World Malaria Day, a day established to raise awareness on malaria and to stress the need for action and commitment to eliminate the disease.
Despite the extraordinary progress over the past decades, malaria remains a potentially life-threatening disease for infants and children around the world. It is caused by a parasite transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes found mostly in sub-Saharan countries. Yet, malaria is not contagious and is entirely preventable and curable.
Malaria prevention can be possible by avoiding mosquito bites using protective nets, window screens, and mosquito repellents. Vector control using insecticides is also recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent transmission.
Vaccines are also available and are recommended for children living in malaria burdened regions and medicines are also used for both prevention and treatment.
Universal access to healthcare and access to medicine is thus crucial for the elimination of malaria, as well as making sure that vulnerable and high-risk populations are well informed on the disease.
Learn more about malaria by visiting the WHO’s fact sheet page and find valuable information and tools at their Global Malaria Program page.
