WHO’s World Malaria Report 2023

Malaria

1. It is mosquito borne blood disease caused by Plasmodium Parasites (PP).
2. 5 types of PP cause malaria but 2 species (P. falciparum and P. vivax) pose the greatest threat.
3. Malaria is mostly found in the tropical and subtropical areas and spread by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
4. Parasites travel to the liver, mature, and then infect RBC (Red Blood Cells).
5. Symptoms – fever, chills, headache and tiredness.
6. It is both preventable through vaccine and curable through medicine.

Global initiative for Malaria

India’s initiative for Malaria
NMCP (National Malaria Control Programme)-1953	National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030	High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) Initiative 2019
It works around 3 key activities: IRS (Insecticidal Residual Spray) Monitoring and surveillance of cases Treatment	As per WHO's aim, it also aims to eliminate malaria in India by 2030.	It started in 4 states (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh) to reduce Malaria through IND (Insecticidal Net Distribution).

1. WHO's GMP (Global Malaria Programme)- It sets the target of reducing global malaria incidence & mortality rates by at least 90% by 2030.
2. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation- Malaria elimination initiative through diverse strategies (mosquito reduction, and technology development, treatment accessibility).
3. WHO’s E-2025 initiative in 2021 to stop malaria transmission in 25 countries by 2025.

Malaria Vaccine

1. Report found that cases reduced in Africa after use of WHO-recommended malaria vaccine, RTS, S /AS01
2. In October 2023, WHO recommended a 2^nd safe and effective malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M.
3. Availability of both malaria vaccines will increase.

Major Causes of Malaria

 

Causes	Solution
Covid-19 disruptions	Protective measures
Climate Change enhances sensitivity of Pathogen/Vector. It leads to spread of malaria fast.	Sustainable & resilient response to climate change.
Unseasonal rainfall leads to increased mosquitos’ population	Spray mosquito repellent throughout cities
Increased funding gaps (Gap between required and allotted amount).	Provide sufficient/required amount.
Less expenditure on research and development (R&D)	Increase funding in R&D
Lack of vaccine availability	Increase availability of vaccine across rural as well as urban areas
Less bed nets usage	More uses of bed nets
Less Indoor spraying	More Indoor spraying
Poor Political commitment	Strengthened political commitment
Random Strategy	Data driven strategy

 

Report Highlights & recommendation

1. Global cases increased by 250 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
2. 29 tropical countries accounted for 95% cases.
3. 4 African countries, Nigeria (27%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (12%), Uganda (5%), and Mozambique (4%), accounted for 50% of all malaria cases globally.
4. India 66% and Indonesia 28% accounted for cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region.
5. Incidence rate should be reduced.
6. Mortality rates should be reduced by 90% by 2030.

 Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi