Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
25 April 2023 | 20:55 CAT

Photo Credit: SDGPLUS

World Malaria Day is a vital observance day highlighting ongoing efforts to control and eventually eliminate malaria. World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25 to raise awareness of the global effort to control, prevent and eventually eradicate malaria. The day was first recognized in 2007 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to shine a light on the devastating impact of malaria and encourage governments, health organizations, and individuals to take action against this deadly disease.

The theme for World Malaria Day 2023 is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”. Malaria remains a significant public health concern, with 3.2 billion people at risk worldwide despite the mosquito-borne infectious disease being preventable and treatable.

In a discussion with Radio Islam International, the Project manager at the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, Dr Tanseshka Kruger, highlights the significant public health concern, despite the mosquito-borne infectious disease being preventable and treatable.

She said the parasites that cause the disease and the mosquito that spreads the disease are highly adaptable and can invade many tools utilized to control malaria.

Medicine or vaccines utilized in time to come can be found outdated because the mosquito and parasites evolve. Dr Kruger pointed out the importance of research to identify new components and compounds that may impact the disease and parasite.

According to The Economic Times, Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with an estimated 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Most of these cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease disproportionately affects children under five and pregnant women.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with host Annisa Essack.