World Malaria Day
25 April 2025
Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite
Malaria continues to be a major global burden. World Malaria Day serves as a crucial reminder of the need for continued efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Africa contributes to 94% of global cases- 263 million
Nigeria accounts for 26% global cases
This year’s theme calls for renewed commitment and action at all levels – Diagnosis, Treatment & Elimination.
As healthcare professionals, you are at the heart of the solution!
Diagnosis
- Continue using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) which are the easiest way to diagnose malaria with results showing in 15 to 30 minutes
- Limit antimalarial treatment to patients with positive tests
Increase in RDT availability leads to increased testing and antimalarial treatment, with reductions in child mortality, particularly in high-malaria regions.
Treatment
- Adopt new approaches to combat emerging drug resistance
- Continue use of ACT (artemisinin-based combination therapy) as first-line therapy in children & adults
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are currently the most effective treatment recommended by the latest WHO guidelines for malaria.
Elimination
- Stay informed about local resistance patterns and diagnostic protocols
- Educate local communities on RDTs, ACTs, ITN usage, and SMC benefits
Elimination can be possible through intelligent distribution of resources, regular therapeutic efficacy studies for treatments, and protection of vulnerable populations.
Together with Shalina MedSpace, let’s…
- Reinvest in patient care by staying up to date on new treatment guidelines
- Reimagine malaria prevention and elimination through new strategies & resources
- Reignite and strengthen local health systems through community interactions and improved surveillance
References:
- Journal of Vector Borne Diseases
https://www.shalinamedspace.com/share?moduleName=knowledge-hub&contentType=329&contentId=4471
a. Drug resistance and new strategies of prevention against malaria: An ongoing battle.
b. Bridging the gaps: Prioritizing research strategies for enhanced malaria control and elimination. - JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association
https://www.shalinamedspace.com/share?moduleName=knowledge-hub&contentType=329&contentId=3827
a. Malaria Rapid Tests, Febrile Illness Management, and Child Mortality Across Sub-Saharan African Countries.
b. Updated Malaria Recommendations for Children and Pregnant People. - The changing epidemiology of malaria elimination: New strategies for new challenges
https://www.shalinamedspace.com/share?moduleName=learning-center&contentType=330&contentId=2113 - WHO guidelines for malaria, 30 November 2024
- WHO World malaria report 2024