World Malaria Report 2024 was released by WHO.
Key Findings of the Report
Global Trends:
(a) Malaria cases rose to 263 million in 2023, with an incidence of 60.4 per 1000 population at risk, up from 58.6 in 2022.
(b) The WHO African Region accounted for 94% of global cases.
Findings Related to India:
(a) Decline in Malaria Cases: Reduced by 69%, from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023.
(b) Decline in Malaria Deaths: Declined by 68%, from 11,100 in 2017 to 3,500 in 2023.
(c) In 2024, India officially exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group.
About Malaria
Cause: It is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax pose the greatest threat.
Geographical Prevalence: Mostly found in tropical countries.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, etc.
Plasmodium Species: (a) Five species cause malaria in humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. knowlesi. (b) P. falciparum and P. vivax pose the greatest threat.
Malaria Vaccines: (a) RTS, S/AS01 vaccine – WHO-approved first vaccine in 2021. (b) R21/Matrix-M vaccine – WHO-approved second vaccine in 2023.
Initiatives
1. WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (2016–2030): Updated in 2021, it provides a technical framework for all malaria-endemic countries.
2. National Strategic Plan: Malaria Elimination 2023-27 (India’s strategy to eliminate malaria).
3. Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes:
(a) Mass-produced in a laboratory for effective mosquito control.
(b) Carry two types of genes:
(i) Self-limiting gene – Prevents female mosquito offspring from surviving.
(ii) Fluorescent marker gene – Glows under a special red light, enabling identification.
Factors Increasing Malaria Vulnerability
- Biological Vulnerability: Pertains to physiological characteristics such as sex, age, immune response, and genetic factors.
- Environmental Factors: Climate variability and land-use changes exacerbate malaria exposure.
- Social and Economic Factors: Vulnerabilities arise from socioeconomic status, gender inequalities, disability, ethnicity, and migrant status.
- Structural Challenges: Conflict, migration, and disruptions in healthcare access increase malaria risk.
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