On April 25th every year, World Malaria Day is observed to raise awareness about global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Malaria is a deadly disease caused by parasites spread by infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It can cause fever, headache, chills, and even death if not treated quickly. In 2021, there were an estimated 247 million new cases and 619,000 deaths worldwide, with 95% of all cases occurring in the Africa Region (WHO report).
World Malaria Day was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners in 2007, building on the success of Africa Malaria Day which has been observed since 2001. Each year has a different theme focusing on a specific aspect of the fight against malaria. The theme for 2023 is “Time to Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement”. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made in fighting malaria, urge for more funding and political support, and reach out to marginalized populations with available tools and strategies.
In Kwara State, Nigeria, the civil society in malaria control, immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), the Kwara State Government, Royal Heritage Health Foundation (RHHF), and other community-based organizations commemorated World Malaria Day on May 24th, 2023 with press briefing, motorized road shows, and community sensitization in Ilorin metropolis.
