Malaria-free from the World Health Organization

What is the WHO- (World Health Organization) The World Health Organization was established in 1948. It is an organization of the United Nations that links countries, partners, and individuals to advance health, ensure global security, and assist the most vulnerable people so that everyone can enjoy the best possible level of health. [1]

Malaria

A potentially fatal illness called malaria is transmitted to people by certain mosquito species. Tropical nations are where it is primarily found. It may be avoided and treated.

The symptoms might be minor or fatal. Fever, chills, and headache are considered mild symptoms. Fatigue, disorientation, convulsions, and breathing difficulties are among the severe symptoms.

The risk of a serious infection is higher among newborns, kids under 5, pregnant women, travelers, and those with HIV or AIDS. By staying away from mosquito bites and using medications, malaria can be avoided. Therapies can halt the progression of mild instances. [2]

Causes of Malaria

By staying away from mosquito bites and using medications, malaria can be avoided. Therapies can halt the progression of mild instances.

Most female Anopheles mosquitoes that have been infected with malaria attack humans in order to transmit the disease. Malaria can also be spread through infected needles and blood transfusions.

The initial signs of malaria may be difficult to identify since they may be mild and comparable to those of many febrile disorders. If P. Falciparum malaria is not treated, it can lead to severe sickness and death within 24 hours. [3]

World malaria report

• Despite the Covid-19 epidemic, high-burden nations fought malaria aggressively in 2021, with cases and fatalities stabilizing.
• Deaths decreased from 625,000 in the first year of the pandemic to 619,000 in 2021, although they still exceeded the pre-pandemic norm of 568,000 fatalities in 2019. [4]

Key points

• Almost half of the world's population was susceptible to malaria in 2021.
• Worldwide, there were reportedly 247 million cases of malaria in that year.
• 619 000 deaths from malaria were anticipated in 2021.
• A disproportionately large amount of the worldwide malaria burden is placed on the WHO African Region. 95% of malaria cases and 96% of malaria fatalities occurred in the Area in 2021. In the region, 80% of all malaria deaths were in children under the age of five. [3]

Malaria-free certification from the WHO for Azerbaijan and Tajikistan

• The eradication of malaria in these countries' borders has earned them the title of "malaria-free" from the World Health Organization. [5]
• In Tajikistan and Azerbaijan, respectively, the final cases of locally transmitted Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria were discovered in 2012 and 2014.

With this declaration, the WHO has recognised a total of 41 nations and 1 territory as being malaria-free, including 21 nations in the European Region. [6]The people and governments of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have demonstrated that eliminating malaria is achievable with the necessary resources and political commitment, said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, hoping that other nations would be able to benefit from their experience. [7]

References

[1]“About WHO,” can be found under https://www.who.int/about, n.d.

[2]“Fact sheet about malaria,” can be found under https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria, 2023.

[3]“Fact sheet about malaria,” can be found under https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria, 2023.

[4]“World Malaria Report 2022,” can be found under https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/world-malaria-report-2022, 2022.

[5]“WHO certifies Azerbaijan, Tajikistan as malaria-free,” can be found under https://punchng.com/who-certifies-azerbaijan-tajikistan-as-malaria-free/, 2023.

[6]“WHO certifies Azerbaijan and Tajikistan as malaria-free,” can be found under https://www.biospectrumindia.com/news/57/22868/who-certifies-azerbaijan-and-tajikistan-as-malaria-free.html, 2023.

[7]“Azerbaijan, Tajikistan Become Malaria-Free,” can be found under https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/who-declares-azerbaijan-tajikistan-malaria-free-966074/, n.d.