World Malaria Day
Encyclopedia
World Malaria Day is commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria
. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2009, 781 000 people died from malaria, mainly women and children in Africa.
, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization
. The day was established to provide "education and understanding of malaria" and spread information on "year-long intensified implementation of national malaria-control strategies, including community-based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas."
Prior to the establishment of World Malaria Day, Africa Malaria Day was held on April 25. Africa Malaria Day began in 2001, one year after the historic Abuja Declaration
was signed by 44 African malaria-endemic countries at the African Summit on Malaria.
of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership
.
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease of humans and other animals caused by eukaryotic protists of the genus Plasmodium. The disease results from the multiplication of Plasmodium parasites within red blood cells, causing symptoms that typically include fever and headache, in severe cases...
. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria. In 2009, 781 000 people died from malaria, mainly women and children in Africa.
History
World Malaria Day was established in May 2007 by the 60th session of the World Health AssemblyWorld Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly is the forum through which the World Health Organization is governed by its 194 member states. It is the world's highest health policy setting body and is composed of health ministers from member states....
, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
. The day was established to provide "education and understanding of malaria" and spread information on "year-long intensified implementation of national malaria-control strategies, including community-based activities for malaria prevention and treatment in endemic areas."
Prior to the establishment of World Malaria Day, Africa Malaria Day was held on April 25. Africa Malaria Day began in 2001, one year after the historic Abuja Declaration
Abuja Declaration
The Abuja Declarion is the outcome of a conference of the African countries of the OIC in 1989 and launched by a communiqué of the Islam in Africa Organisation founded during this conference....
was signed by 44 African malaria-endemic countries at the African Summit on Malaria.
World Malaria Day Themes
- 2008: Malaria - a disease without borders
- 2009: Counting malaria out
- 2010: Counting malaria out
- 2011: Achieving progress and impact
Current World Malaria Day Theme
The theme of World Malaria Day 2011 is Achieving Progress and Impact. The theme recognizes the international community's renewed efforts to make progress towards near zero malaria deaths by 2015. This goal is part of the Global Malaria Action PlanGlobal Malaria Action Plan (GMAP)
Global Malaria Action Plan is the first single comprehensive blueprint for global malaria control and elimination. It outlines strategies, costs, goals and timelines designed to build on the trajectory of recent successes in malaria control, moving towards full malaria control and beyond in...
of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership
Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership
The Roll Back Malaria Partnership is the global framework for coordinated action against malaria. It forges consensus among key actors in malaria control, harmonises action and mobilises resources to fight malaria in endemic countries....
.