World Malaria Report

World Malaria Report

News: The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report titled ‘World Malaria Report 2023’.

What is Malaria?
• Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
• The Plasmodium parasite is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are often referred to as “night-biting” mosquitoes because they are more active and likely to bite between dusk and dawn.
• While there are many types of Plasmodium parasites, only five of them cause malaria in humans: Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium knowlesi.

Key Findings:
• India saw a 30% decline in malaria cases and 34% decline in deaths in 2022 as compared to the previous year.
• Globally there were 5 million additional malaria cases in 2022 as compared to the previous year, totalling to 249 million.
• Of the 5 million additional cases, the highest 1 million was from Pakistan that had a flood in 2022.
• India accounted for 4% of total malaria cases in the world.
• Vivax Malaria Predicament: Vivax malaria, constituting over 40% of cases in India, poses a challenge due to its recurring nature hiding in the liver.
• Incomplete Treatment Issue: Treating vivax malaria requires a 14-day therapy, but many stop medication once symptoms alleviate, hindering complete recovery.

Government of India initiatives:
• India has made substantial strides in malaria control efforts. Since the year 2000, the country has successfully reduced malaria cases by over 50% and decreased malaria-related deaths by more than 66%.
• In 2016, India introduced its inaugural National Framework for Malaria Elimination (2016-2030), with a vision to achieve a malaria-free country by 2027 and complete elimination by 2030.
• In 2019, the Government of India took additional measures by increasing funding for the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme by more than 25%.