World Malaria Day is held each year on April 25th. This annual event is a worldwide effort, to raise awareness of Malaria and funds for the treatment and prevention of malaria. The day works to highlight the need for better political intervention in malaria control and prevention. The day also marks the continuing great achievements in the fight against Malaria.
The World Health Organization is putting prevention of malaria to the forefront in this event, with the aim of reducing the massive global death toll of 400,000 people to Malaria every year. Efforts to highlight prevention have been reducing the death toll, especially through the use of insecticide and mosquito nets, as mosquitos are the most common carriers and spreaders of Malaria. The continued campaign of prevention is proving effective and saving lives, but there is still a long way to go.
World Malaria Day and continued awareness and prevention, as well as lobbying for better political support must continue and increase in order to eradicate the disease and prevent deaths from it. Investment and interest from governments is essential for this continued fight against Malaria and related deaths.
World Malaria Day 2023 will be marked under the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”. Within this theme, WHO will focus on the third “i” – implement – and notably the critical importance of reaching marginalized populations with the tools and strategies that are available to us today.
A cross section of APHPN members on awareness walk and community sensitization in Jos, Plateau State, on World Malaria Day celebration 2023
Dr. Elizabeth Okoh, immediate past secretary of APHPN Plateau State delivering lectures on WMD 2023
Prof Miner, Plateau State APHPN Chairman (Right) presenting awards during WMD celebration 2023
Plateau State commissioner of Health and other dignitaries during the 2023 WMD celebration in Jos
Apart from the awareness walk and symposium, we also had media engagement with many media stations, radio and stations in Jos and other parts of the State. Different APHPN members went to these studios and enlightened to public on the prevalence and burden of Malaria in Nigeria, and Plateau State in particular. We also create awareness on preventive measures to reduce the burden of the disease in the country.
Dr. Kwatmen Hilary Damhen
Secretary
