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Today marks World Malaria Day
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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World Malaria Day, observed every year on April 25, was established by the World Health Organization at its 60th session in early May 2007. The day is dedicated to promoting large-scale efforts to ensure successful control of malaria.
Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted to humans by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is accompanied by fever, chills, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Every year, malaria infects between 340 and 500 million people; between 1 and 3 million of them die. About 90% of cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa; people in Asia, South America, the Middle East, and some parts of Europe also become ill. Children under 5 years of age are at particular risk.
The WHO Malaria Control Programme works with experts to collect data on the disease and develop broad policy action to combat malaria. The organisation's councils are considered the basis for government programmes dealing with the disease.
World Malaria Day is a time for a variety of activities aimed at preventing the spread of malaria. States in malaria-endemic areas have the opportunity to share experiences and support each other in their efforts; research and teaching universities - to draw the attention of experts and the general public to their own scientific achievements; companies and foundations - to think about how to scale up the implementation of effective measures