On April 25 of each year, countries around the world – including the Kingdom – celebrate World Malaria Day. To spread awareness and highlight the mobilization of energies to prevent and control the disease, and to raise the awareness of individuals about ways to avoid infection, in addition to recognizing the efforts being made at the global level, as its slogan this year comes under the slogan “It is time to eliminate malaria: investment, innovation and implementation.”
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, and that parasite is transmitted to the human body through the bites of mosquitoes carrying it, and invades red blood cells and destroys them. It has the potential to heal.
WHO is working with countries and regions in malaria-endemic regions to develop and implement scaling-up strategies, such as targeted drug administration, fever screening and treatment, rapid response to all cases, all countries close to achieving the 2023 target of eliminating falciparum malaria and all forms of human malaria by 2030 , according to the organisation.
The Ministry of Health is keen to organize many educational and awareness events and activities, in conjunction with the celebration of World Malaria Day, by holding awareness lectures and events, which in turn aim to educate the public about malaria and explain its symptoms and methods of prevention and treatment.
Senior Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr. Abdullah Omar Baatia, said: The world has witnessed the efforts made by the World Health Organization and the countries of the world to combat malaria and spread awareness in societies, and the Kingdom has achieved – praise be to God – thanks to the unlimited support of the leadership, an advanced position in this field. The health aspect, so that malaria may not be mentioned, after the Ministry of Health intensified its non-stop efforts throughout the year and in various cities, villages, and desertion in terms of awareness, control, and specialized programs in this aspect, so that the Ministry of Health in 2019 announced that the coverage rate for malaria treatment It reached 100% with complete protection for all populations at risk of infection, through mosquito control and the distribution of preventive treatment to travelers to areas or countries where the disease is endemic. The Kingdom’s efforts did not stop at this point, but rather exceeded it. The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Action is implementing a special program in Yemen to combat malaria, and this step is an extension of the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts to help the Republic of Yemen in combating various epidemics and deadly diseases, including malaria, which It was, to a large extent, prevalent among children and pregnant women, and it is evident in coastal areas that have been provided with appropriate treatments, laboratory equipment and supplies, qualified cadres, and tours to investigate disease cases and sites for the spread of larvae and mosquitoes.
