World Malaria Day 2025: Check Theme, History, Significance and Ways to Prevent

Each year, April 25 is recognised as World Malaria Day, a global health awareness initiative to unite the world in the fight against malaria. It’s a day that calls upon governments, healthcare organisations, and individuals to take action, raise awareness, and work towards the ultimate goal — a malaria-free world.

What is malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. While many recover with timely treatment, malaria can lead to serious complications such as:

• Severe anemia
• Cerebral malaria
• Coma
• Even death, especially when diagnosis and care are delayed

Malaria still affects over 2 billion people globally each year — including people in 90 endemic countries and around 125 million international travelers.

Theme of World Malaria Day 2025

"Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite"

This year’s theme emphasises renewed commitment, innovation, and collective effort. The message is clear: ending malaria requires fresh strategies, increased funding, and strong partnerships across communities and nations.

What is the importance of World Malaria Day?

Why does World Malaria Day matter for everyone?

As per the WHO, malaria continues to be one of the most deadly parasitic diseases, with 219 million cases and 435,000 deaths recorded in 2017 alone.

Raising awareness is key to:

• Promoting early diagnosis and treatment
• Educating people on preventive measures
• Encouraging research and innovation
• Supporting efforts toward global eradication

What is the history of World Malaria Day?

As per WHO, in the 1960s, the world had been retreating from malaria, but there was a slight hit in 1969, and millions were affected. But it took 30 years to fight against malaria throughout the world till the 1990s.

World Malaria Day was first observed in 2008, which was commemorated in South Africa, which was seen in 2001. In 2007, at the 60th World Health Assembly, it was proposed that African Malaria Day be renamed World Malaria Day to acknowledge the worldwide threat from malaria.

What is the significance of World Malaria Day?

As per the WHO, globally, it was estimated that 263 million malaria cases were found, causing 597000 deaths in 83 countries. Malaria has been a major concern in several countries, including India.

Celebrating World Malaria Day is used to raise awareness about these health effect programmes so that everyone must prepare and know about malaria.

What are the symptoms of malaria?

As per the WHO, the most common symptoms in malaria are fever, headache and chills.

Certain forms of malaria can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Some groups are especially vulnerable, including babies, young children under five, pregnant women, people living with HIV or AIDS, and travellers to high-risk areas. In serious cases, malaria may lead to:

• Extreme exhaustion and weakness
• Confusion or reduced alertness
• Frequent seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Dark-colored or blood-tinged urine
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Unusual or excessive bleeding

What are the preventions that can be done for malaria?

As per the WHO, you can reduce your chances of getting malaria by protecting yourself from mosquito bites and, in some cases, by taking preventive medication. If you're planning to travel to a region where malaria is common, consult a healthcare provider about taking antimalarial drugs like chemoprophylaxis.

Here are some effective ways to avoid mosquito bites and lower your risk:

• Sleep under a mosquito net, especially in areas where malaria is widespread.
• Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, IR3535, or Icaridin after sunset.
• Use mosquito coils or plug-in vapourisers indoors.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimise exposed skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out by using window and door screens.

Conclusion

World Malaria Day is more than just an annual observance — it's a global reminder that the fight against malaria is far from over. Despite significant progress, the disease still poses a serious threat to millions of lives, especially in vulnerable communities. The 2025 theme, "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite," reinforces the need for continued innovation, funding, and global collaboration.

Through awareness, early diagnosis, prevention, and research, we can move closer to eliminating malaria once and for all. Governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals each play a vital role in this mission. By working together, staying informed, and taking action, we can ensure that the world remains committed to a future free from malaria.