Every year, April 25 is marked as World Malaria Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases—malaria. While significant strides have been made in recent years to reduce the burden of malaria, it continues to pose a major public health challenge in many parts of the world, including regions of India.

This year, the theme of World Malaria Day 2025, “To Fight Against Malaria for a Healthier Tomorrow,” reminding us that the fight for this disease is not over yet. It needs more as well as new efforts, stronger public engagement, and a united approach across all sectors of society.

What is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasite multiplies in the liver and then infects red blood cells, leading to symptoms that can vary in severity based on the type of parasite and the individual’s overall health.

Common symptoms of Malaria

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. Common symptoms of malaria include:

• High fever with intermittent chills
• Headache and muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
• Sweating and fatigue
• In severe cases: confusion, seizures, and organ complications

Malaria in India

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has made commendable progress in malaria control, witnessing a significant reduction in malaria-related deaths and infections over the past decade. However, the disease is still present in several states, particularly during the monsoon season, when mosquito breeding increases due to stagnant water and high humidity.

Especially in regions like North Bengal, where climatic conditions and terrain support mosquito breeding, it is essential to stay vigilant, especially during peak transmission months.

How Malaria Spreads

Malaria is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. The disease is transmitted through various factors like:

• Bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes
• Blood transfusion from an infected donor
• Use of contaminated needles or syringes
• From mother to child during pregnancy (in rare cases)

How Dangerous Malaria Can Be

Malaria may begin with mild symptoms like fever and chills, but it can quickly turn life-threatening if left untreated. Here’s why it’s crucial to take this disease seriously:

• Life threating complications: Without prompt treatment, malaria can lead to severe outcomes like organ failure, brain damage, or even death.
• Rapid development: Symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue can worsen fast, sometimes within just a few days.
• At-risk groups: Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to its worst effects.
• Global impact: Malaria is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting millions of people every year.
• Drug resistance: Some malaria strains have developed resistance to common treatments, making it harder to manage and treat effectively.

Malaria Disease Preventive Measures:

Preventing mosquito bites is the first and most effective step in reducing the risk of malaria. Here are some practical measures that can be adopted:

• Use of mosquito repellents on exposed skin
• Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
• Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in the evenings
• Installing mesh screens on windows and doors
• Not allowing stagnant water in and around homes

Effect of Climate and Lifestyle

Changes in climate patterns, including rising temperatures and altered rainfall, are impacting the mosquito breeding cycle. Urbanization and deforestation have further increased human exposure to mosquito habitats. With evolving disease patterns, it has become very important to adopt a proactive health approach.

Maintaining personal hygiene, using preventive tools, and ensuring regular health check-ups are critical, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to malaria complications.

Conclusion

World Malaria Day 2025 is not just about remembering a disease—it is about reminding ourselves of the power of awareness, prevention, and united action. At Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital, we believe that every life saved through early detection and timely care brings us closer to a malaria-free world.

Let us all pledge to take the necessary precautions, stay informed, and support one another in the fight against malaria.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction.