World Malaria Day 2025: History, Impact and Control
Why in the news
World Malaria Day called for sustained investment and innovation against a disease that still burdens millions.
Key facts
- Observed on April 25, a WHO initiative.
- Once blamed on “bad air” (mala aria); Alphonse Laveran traced the Plasmodium parasite in 1880.
- WHO’s 2024 report shows falling death rates, but low-income regions bear the largest burden.
| Period | Advance |
|---|---|
| 1885-1892 | Golgi, Celli, Marchiafava map parasite cycles |
| 1894-1898 | Ronald Ross and Giovanni Grassi confirm Anopheles spread |
Historical impact
- Malaria killed up to 60% of inland troops, slowing colonisation of Africa; vector control later helped Europe hold nearly 90% of Africa by 1914.
- Resistant Africans were favoured in the slave trade, feeding racialised labour hierarchies.
Control tools
- Quinine, chloroquine, artemisinin therapies, treated bed nets, indoor spraying and the RTS,S vaccine.
Exam angle
- Parasite: Plasmodium; vector: Anopheles.