WORLD MALARIA DAY 2023
1. Context
World Malaria Day 2023 will be marked under the theme “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”.
2. About Malaria Disease
- Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases worldwide, leading to approximately 627,000 deaths, with the majority of the cases and deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.
3. History & Significance of World Malaria Day in India
- The observance of the Day in India can be traced back to 2007 when the first Malaria Day was observed on 25th April.
- The day was declared by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) to coincide with the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Since then, Malaria Day has been observed annually in India with a different theme the day that reflects the need of the hour.
- The day is marked by various activities including health camps, awareness drives, and educational programs aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness about malaria and its prevention and control.
- India has made progress in reducing the burden of malaria over the years. According to the World Malaria Report 2020, India accounted for about 88% of the malaria cases in the South-East Asia region in 2019, a decline of about 18% from 2018.
- However, there is still a long way to go, and the observance of Malaria Day in India remains an important reminder of the need to continue the fight against this disease.
4. Malaria vaccine research in India
- Understanding the dynamics of vaccine-induced immunity and pre-existing immunity during disease is absolutely essential.
- Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) studies have the potential to fast-track initial assessments of vaccine efficacy, and also facilitate the first clinical evaluation of vaccines involving fewer adult subjects.
- It is not surprising that across the world many countries have developed the capacity to conduct highly safe CHMI studies.
- Although basic malaria research is being carried out in many academic institutions in India, it has not been possible to set up a human challenge model anywhere in the country.
- Scientists at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, have successfully developed and produced two experimental recombinant blood-stage malaria vaccines against P. falciparum and P. vivax and carried out Phase I first-in-man clinical trials in India.
- Based on the encouraging results of Phase I(a) trial with the P. vivax vaccine, Phase 2(a) involving efficacy assessment by controlled human malaria infection has been completed in collaboration with scientists at Oxford University.
- Needless to say, if the CHMI model was available in India, these completely indigenous efforts would have greatly facilitated the progress of these and other malaria vaccines, developed in India.
5. Key Challenges Faced by India
India faces several challenges in its efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Some of the major challenges are:
- Vector control: Malaria is primarily spread by the Anopheles mosquito. Controlling the mosquito population through the use of insecticides and mosquito nets is a key strategy for malaria control. However, resistance to insecticides and the lack of adequate resources for vector control programs are major challenges in India.
- Access to healthcare: Many people in India do not have access to adequate healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas. This makes it difficult to detect and treat malaria cases, leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
- Diagnostics: Rapid and accurate diagnosis of malaria is crucial for effective treatment and control. However, the availability of diagnostic facilities, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas, remains a challenge in India.
- Climate change: Climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem of malaria in India. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can create favorable conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes, leading to an increase in malaria transmission.
- Lack of public awareness: Many people in India are not aware of the risks associated with malaria and the preventive measures they can take. Lack of awareness leads to low adherence to preventive measures such as the use of mosquito nets and the timely seeking of medical care when symptoms appear.
6. Education & Awareness
Education and awareness can play a significant role in reducing the burden of malaria in India. Here are some ways in which education and awareness can help:
- Understanding the causes of malaria: Education can help people understand the causes of malaria and the ways in which the disease is transmitted. This can help people to take appropriate preventive measures such as using mosquito nets, avoiding mosquito bites, and keeping their surroundings clean.
- Recognizing the symptoms of malaria: Education can help people recognize the symptoms of malaria early on, which can improve the chances of successful treatment. This can also help in preventing the spread of the disease.
- Promoting preventive measures: Education can help people understand the importance of preventive measures such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothes, and keeping the surroundings clean.
- Dismissing myths and misconceptions: There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding malaria in India. Education can help dispel these myths and provide accurate information about the disease.
- Encouraging community involvement: Education and awareness can encourage community involvement in the prevention and control of malaria. This can include initiatives such as community clean-up drives, distribution of mosquito nets, and organizing awareness campaigns.
| For Prelims: World Malaria Day, World Health Organisation (WHO), Sub-Saharan Africa region, Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI), International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Female Anopheles mosquitoes, National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP), World Malaria Report 2020. |
| Previous year Question
1. Widespread resistance of the malarial parasites to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine? (UPSC 2010)
A. Malaria is caused by several species of plasmodium
B. Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection
C. Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria
D. Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host
Answer: B
|
Source: The Indian Express
