Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : April 25, 2015 11:59 AM IST
April 25 is World Malaria Day
Malaria burden continues to be very high with an estimated 198 million cases and 584 000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2013. On the World Malaria Day, WHO calls for collective will and determination to defeat malaria.
Progress is being made in malaria control globally. Sixty-four of the 106 countries reporting malaria in 2000 have achieved the MDG target of reversing the incidence of malaria and 55 are on track to meet the target of reducing incidence rates by 75% by 2015. Malaria mortality rates have declined by 47% in all age groups and by 53% in children under 5 years. 670 million fewer cases have been reported and 4.3 million deaths averted between 2000 and 2013.
In the WHO South East Asia Region, between 2000 2013, the confirmed malaria cases have decreased from 2.9 million to 1.5 million, six of ten malaria endemic countries reported >75% decrease in the incidence of microscopically confirmed cases, and the reported malaria deaths decreased from 5 500 to 776.
Notable progress has been made in Sri Lanka: from more than 200 000 cases in 2000, the country has not reported any indigenous case since November 2012. Bhutan has reported only 15 indigenous cases in 2013, down from more than 5 000 cases in 2 000. In Nepal, there is no reported death from malaria since 2012. In Timor-Leste, malaria cases reduced from 223 002 in 2006 to 1040 in 2013, and the number of malaria deaths decreased from 53 in 2009 to three in 2013. In Indonesia, malaria elimination by district is progressing well.
India and Myanmar, which together with Indonesia contribute over 90% of malaria cases and deaths in the Region, are also making significant progress in malaria control.
The marked improvement in the malaria situation is an encouraging sign. WHO s Malaria Global Technical Strategy, 2016 2030, seeks to eliminate malaria in at least 10 countries by 2020, in at least 20 countries by 2025 and in at least 35 countries by 2030.
WHO joins partners to appeal to invest in the future: defeat malaria .
Image source: Getty Images
You may like to read:
For more articles on diseases & conditions, visit our diseases & conditions section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.
