In an unprecedented report released by The Lancet on Malaria eradication, it is revealed that with the correct tactics and adequate funding, eradicating malaria could be a reality as early as 2050. This article aims to break down the key findings of the report, present the current global status of malaria, detail the proposed strategies to eradicate this disease, and provide some general information about malaria.
Global Status of Malaria
From 2000 to date, there has been a significant decline in the global incidence (by 36%) and death rates (by 60%) from malaria. In addition, over half of the world’s countries have been declared malaria-free. Regardless of these positive figures, malaria incidences are still increasing in 55 countries spanning Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
There is a concerning degree of inequity regarding the distribution of cases and deaths. In 2017, 29 countries – 27 of which are in Africa – reported the majority of new cases and accounted for 85% of global deaths due to malaria. Conversely, 38 countries reported incidences of fewer than ten cases per 1,000 population in the same year and only accounted for 5% of total malaria deaths.
Strategies to Accelerate Malaria Eradication
The Lancet’s report proposes three main strategies to speed up the decline in malaria cases globally:
1. Improve the implementation of malaria control programs globally.
2. Develop and introduce innovative tools to overcome biological challenges to eradication.
3. Provide malaria-endemic countries with the necessary financial investment to fight malaria.
Implementing these strategies will require cooperation and commitment on a global scale. Each one addresses a different aspect of the problem and their combined implementation could potentially lead to the eradication of malaria by 2050.
Malaria: A General Overview
Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, also known as “malaria vectors”.
| Disease | Global Awareness Day |
|---|---|
| HIV-AIDS | 1st December |
| TB (Tuberculosis) | 24th March |
| Malaria | 25th April |
| Hepatitis | 28th July |
World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day is observed annually on 25th April. It’s noteworthy that WHO only officially endorses disease-specific global awareness days for four diseases – HIV-AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Hepatitis. These designated days are utilized for spreading awareness and knowledge about these diseases. This is especially important for a disease like malaria, where information and education can play a critical role in prevention and treatment. The efforts made on these awareness days can support the cause to eradicate such diseases soon.
