World Malaria Report 2024 by WHO

Context:

The World Malaria Report 2024, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), provides critical updates on the global and regional trends of malaria, including key findings for India.

Global Malaria Trends:

• Malaria Cases: Globally, 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.
• WHO African Region: The African region continues to bear the greatest burden, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases.

India’s Progress:

• Decline in Malaria Cases: India has seen a 69% decline in malaria cases, from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023.
• Decline in Malaria Deaths: Malaria-related deaths have dropped by 68%, from 11,100 in 2017 to 3,500 in 2023.
• Milestone in 2024: In 2024, India officially exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group, marking a significant achievement in its fight against malaria.

About Malaria:

• Cause: Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Geographical Prevalence: Predominantly found in tropical countries.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
• Plasmodium Species: There are five species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans:
• P. falciparum (most deadly)
• P. vivax (common)
• P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi.

Malaria Vaccines:

• RTS,S/AS01: The first malaria vaccine approved by WHO in 2021.
• R21/Matrix-M: The second malaria vaccine, approved by WHO in 2023.

WHO and National Initiatives:

• The WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030, updated in 2021, serves as a framework for malaria-endemic countries.
• India’s National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination 2023-2027 aims to reduce malaria transmission with a focus on elimination.

Factors Increasing Vulnerability to Malaria:

• Biological Vulnerability: Age, immune status, genetic factors, and sex characteristics affect susceptibility.
• Environmental Factors: Changes in climate and land use increase malaria exposure.
• Social and Economic Factors: Vulnerability increases due to socioeconomic status, gender inequalities, ethnicity, and migration.
• Structural Challenges: Issues like conflict, disruption of healthcare access, and migration also heighten malaria risks.

While the global malaria burden remains a serious challenge, significant progress has been made in India, with reduced cases and deaths, marking a notable milestone in the fight against malaria. Continued efforts, including the use of vaccines and strategic plans, are essential to eliminate malaria in endemic regions.