World Malaria Day 2025, Theme, History, Significance

World Malaria Day 2025 is observed on 25th April 2025 as a means to spread awareness about malaria disease, its prevention and control. On this day, all government organisations, NGOs and health organisations like WHO come together to celebrate this day with the theme ‘Malaria with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

World Malaria Day 2025

Malaria has impacted many people around the world, especially the people living in tropical regions like South Asia and Africa. According to WHO reports, 95% of malaria cases are in the African region. World Malaria Day 2025 reminds people of the challenges associated with Malaria and the challenges faced by people to eliminate this deadly disease. 

World Malaria Day 2025 Theme

The theme of World Malaria Day 2025 is “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” The aim is to motivate people to invest more, stay committed and fight new ways to fight malaria. This day and theme plays an important role in showcasing the importance of global collaboration and long-term political will that could help achieve the goal of eradicating malaria worldwide. 

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day was celebrated for the first time in 2007. The day was introduced by the World Health Assembly, governed by WHO with the goal of spreading awareness about the fight against malaria. Before this, Africa Malaria Day had been observed since 2001. Ever since the announcement, the World Malaria Day has been being celebrated on 25th April 2008 and the community around the world is urged to take action and spread messages about preventing malaria and saving lives. The day encourages innovation, funding and international cooperation. 

What is Malaria Disease?

Malaria is a potentially fatal disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is not contagious and cannot be spread directly from one person to another.

There are five species of Plasmodium that infect humans:

• P. falciparum (most severe and life-threatening)
• P. vivax
• P. ovale
• P. malariae
• P. knowlesi

Common symptoms of malaria include:

• High-grade fever with chills
• Profuse sweating
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue and weakness

If left untreated, malaria can lead to serious complications such as severe anaemia, kidney failure, coma, or even death.Preventive strategies include the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, application of insect repellents, and prophylactic antimalarial medications in endemic areas. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests, and treatment is prescribed based on the specific Plasmodium species identified.

Malaria Vaccine

RTS, S/AS01 (Mosquirix) is the first malaria vaccine that has been approved. The vaccine was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in collaboration with PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative. The vaccine targets Plasmodium falciparum parasite by inducing antibodies against the circumsporozoite protein. The medication was approved by WHO in 2021 and rolled out in malaria-endemic regions. R21/Matrix-M is also a malaria vaccine created by the Serum Institute of India in collaboration with Oxford University and Novavax. 

Malaria in India

Malaria disease happens to be a public health challenge in various parts of India and the country has taken remarkable steps in reducing the burden. In 2023, India reported zero malaria cases in around 122 districts. India has improved from being a High burden to a high impact group of WHO in 2024. By 2030, India expects to eliminate malaria with strengthened surveillance, targeted intervention and community involvement. 

Malaria Eradication Programme in India 

India launched the National Malaria Control Programme in 1953 in collaboration with WHO and USAID. In 1958, the National Malaria Eradication Programme replaced the previous goals to work towards total eradication. Some of the major steps taken involve: 

• Using DDT spraying for vector control 
• Setup malaria clinics across districts.
• Use rapid diagnostics kits 
• Emphasis on tribal and rural regions

India keeps updating its malaria prevention policies according to new challenges. National Framework for Malaria Elimination and National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination aims at eliminating malaria by 2030.

World Malaria Day 2025 Significance

World Malaria Day 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing global fight against malaria and reinforces the need to keep it at the forefront of public health agendas. It unites governments, international organisations, health institutions, and communities in a shared commitment to eliminate this preventable and curable disease.

Key reasons why World Malaria Day 2025 holds importance include:

• Advocacy for Increased Funding: It calls on nations to allocate greater financial resources toward malaria prevention and control programs.
• Improved Access to Healthcare: It highlights the need for enhanced access to life-saving medicines, diagnostic tools, and preventive measures.
• Community Engagement: It encourages public participation in awareness campaigns and preventive actions at the grassroots level.
• Recognition of Health Workers: It acknowledges the dedication of frontline health workers operating in challenging conditions to combat malaria.
• Support for Innovation: It promotes research and development of new vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic technologies.

In essence, World Malaria Day 2025 underscores the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. With sustained efforts in awareness, innovation, and collaboration, a malaria-free world is within reach.

World Malaria Day 2025 FAQs

Q1. Why is World Malaria Day celebrated?
World Malaria Day is celebrated to raise global awareness and strengthen efforts to prevent, control, and ultimately eliminate malaria.

Q2. What is the theme of World Malaria Day 2025?
World Malaria Day 2025 theme is ‘Malaria with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.”

Q3. Which month is known as Anti Malaria Month?
June is observed as Anti Malaria Month in India.

Q4. What is the National Anti Malaria Programme in India?
It is a government initiative launched in 1953 to control and eliminate malaria through surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and vector control.

Q5. Which country is malaria-free?
China was certified malaria-free by the WHO in 2021.