World Malaria Day 2023: Know the theme this year, causes and symptoms of the disease

World Malaria Day is celebrated on April 25 every year. This year the day will be celebrated with the theme 'Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement.' Within this theme, World Health Organisation (WHO) will focus on the third ‘I’ – implement – the critical importance of reaching marginalized populations with tools and strategies to fight this disease.

Causes and symptoms of Malaria

Malaria is caused by a type of parasite spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes, which mostly bite at dusk or at night. The first few symptoms of malaria typically appear 7 to 18 days after being bitten by the mosquito. The initial symptoms of malaria are flu-like, but an attack usually starts with shivering and chills, followed by high fever and sweating. Seeing a doctor immediately is advised.

According to WHO report, malaria cases continued to rise between 2020 and 2021, but at a slower rate than in the period 2019 to 2020.

Also watch: World Malaria Day: Reaching the zero Malaria target