World Malaria Day is celebrated every year on the 25th of April as a global healthcare awareness. It is celebrated annually to spread awareness to combat malaria. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the importance and reason for celebrating world malaria day worldwide. Let’s get started:
Why do we celebrate World Malaria Day?
World Malaria Day is celebrated to bring attention to preventing malaria and bringing an end to malaria. In addition to this, it encourages people to opt for preventive measures to stop and reduce death from this disease. According to the stats, malaria affects or threatens nearly 200 crore people every year. Most patients recover from the symptoms of malaria quickly after treatment, but severe complications such as cerebral malaria, severe malarial anaemia, or death can occur if the patient is not treated on time.
Importance of Celebrating World Malaria Day 2023
In the world, malaria is one of the deadliest diseases. Spreading awareness about this parasitic disease and its prevention must be the top priority. Basically, it includes educating people on early symptoms, safety measures, and treatment options. According to research, early diagnosis and treatment of malaria can reduce the risk of death by spreading awareness of malaria symptoms and its safety measures.
World Malaria Day Theme 2023
The theme of world malaria day 2023 is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
What is Malaria and What Causes Malaria?
When a mosquito, infected by small parasites, bites you, then it injects malaria parasites into your blood. As a result, you get malaria disease, which is caused by parasites. If this disease is not treated on time, it can result in various health problems, such as brain damage, seizures, organ failure, trouble breathing, and death.
If a mosquito bites a person with malaria, it contracts the disease. When it subsequently bites someone else, it transmits the parasite into the new person’s bloodstream where it multiplies. Humans can be infected by any of the five types of malaria parasites.
Occasionally, pregnant women who have malaria may pass the disease to their offspring either before or during childbirth. Although it is possible for malaria to be transmitted through organ donations, blood transfusions or hypodermic needles, this is rare.
What are the Symptoms of Malaria?
Signs of malaria are similar to flu symptoms. They include:
Fatigue
Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
Muscle aches and headache
Breathing problems and cough
Fever and sweating
Shaking chills
Malaria can lead to anaemia and jaundice (a condition where the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow) as it worsens. Cerebral malaria, the most severe form of the disease, can cause a coma and is responsible for approximately 15% of child deaths and nearly 20% of adult deaths.
How is Malaria Treated?
After getting diagnosed with malaria, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Your doctor will prescribe medications to eradicate the malaria parasite. Some drugs are used with a combination of other types of drugs. The parasite type will determine the type of medication you will take and it will decide how long you should take medications. Antimalarial drugs include:
Quinine
Primaquine
Mefloquine
Chloroquine
Atovaquone
Doxycycline
Artemisinin drugs
Possible Side Effects of Medications to Treat Malaria
Antimalarial drugs can cause some side effects. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines because antimalarial drugs can interfere with them. Based on the medication, side effects may include:
Headaches
Gastrointestinal issues
Insomnia
Seizures
Anemia
Vision problems
Psychological disorders
Preventive Measures of Malaria Disease
To reduce the risk of malaria, the following preventive measures can be followed:
To protect yourself from insects, it is recommended to use insect repellents containing 20-35% N, N-Diethyl-Meta-Toluamide on your body.
When outdoors at night, it is also advised to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Additionally, using mosquito nets while sleeping can help prevent insect bites.
To further reduce the risk of insect infestations, it is suggested to spray pyrethrin or a similar insecticide in the bedroom before going to bed.
Additionally, make sure to avoid stagnant water in and around your home, and always keep water tubs closed with a lid.
Conclusion
World Malaria Day is celebrated to spread awareness about malaria and encourage people to follow preventive measures to stop malaria. Moreover, get informative blogs on health and fitness by subscribing to Personal Care N Heal.
