World Malaria Day is observed annually on April 25 with the intention to raise awareness among the populace about this deadly infection and improve the efforts to eradicate malaria globally. This health campaign also works to support action to lower suffering and death from malaria. This year’s World Malaria Day theme is “Time to deliver zero malaria: invest, innovate, implement”. The World Health Organisation is working towards the need to “implement” tools and effective strategies to offer treatment and care to the unreached population across the world.
Malaria is a life-threatening illness that spreads to humans by the female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are mostly found in tropical countries. This febrile disease is highly preventable and curable. With symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening, mild symptoms include fever, chills, and headache, while severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures and breathing issues.
Malaria Disease Burden
As per the latest World Malaria statistics, there were 247 million cases of malaria in 2021 compared to 245 million cases in 2020. And the number of malaria deaths was 619000 in 2021, compared to 625000 in 2020.
With the globe still battling COVID-19, the scariest virus ever discovered that has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Malaria is also one of the deadliest viruses transmitted by mosquitoes and around 627000 people have died because of this infection, mainly African kids. In 2021, African countries were the home to around 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of deaths, where children under 5 years of age accounted for about 80% of malaria mortality in the African region. Previously this day was observed as African Malaria Day, but in 2007, the WHO declared malaria a global health emergency.
The WHO is working with countries and regions to develop and implement effective strategies like targeted drug administration, fever screening and treatment and quick responses to all malaria cases in efforts to deliver “zero malaria”.
Also Read: World Malaria Day: Fight Malaria With These Home Remedies
Dive into this article to learn about the important aspect of managing malaria - diet and nutrition. Know what foods to eat and avoid and ways to bolster the immune system to fight against this febrile disease.
Dietary Tips For Malaria
A wholesome and balanced diet is essential for faster recovery and health. A healthy and nourishing meal plan not only delivers you energy but also speeds up the recovery process by curing from within. Dietary management for managing malaria focuses on triggering the immune system and uplifting overall health without causing any damage to vital organs.
Maintain Good Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids and water to maintain electrolyte and fluid balance is very important while recuperating from malaria. Water is vital to flush out toxins from the system and speed up recovery. Also, while suffering from malaria, your appetite will be very poor, thus drinking plenty of fluids can keep you energetic and prevent dehydration. Have tender coconut water, lemon juice and fruits loaded with high content of water like oranges, watermelon, and cucumber.
Consume Good Source Of Protein
Malaria can result in loss of muscle mass and a person may feel exhausted and very weak. Increasing the protein intake is the best thing one can do to optimise overall health and speed up recovery. A diet laden with protein and good carbs is valuable as the system can use the protein for cell and tissue repair and growth. Consuming good-quality protein will accelerate recovery by stimulating the immune system to combat parasites. Incorporating legumes, nuts, lean meat, eggs, dairy and dairy products is highly helpful.
Indulge In Energy Dense Foods
The calorie and nutritional needs of patients suffering from malaria increase, as the Body’s Metabolic Rate increases due to a rise in body temperature. Having a high-carb diet and choosing rice over wheat helps in faster energy release and promote the digestion process. Several studies reveal that adding vitamins A and C-rich foods like beetroot, carrot, papaya, and citrus fruits may help to detoxify the blood and trigger immunity.
Add Nuts & Seeds
Adding phytonutrients as part of the diet regimen helps to combat oxidative stress caused by an infection. Nuts and seeds are powerhouses of plant nutrients as well as healthy fats and proteins. Munch on nuts and seeds as a healthy intermediary snack rather than having processed and sugar-laden foods while recovering from malaria.
Include Fat In Moderation
Fat is also a key macronutrient needed by the human body for performing several functions, however, it should be consumed in moderation. Having a high-fat diet can result in indigestion and may worsen your condition. Include healthy sources of fat like omega-3 fatty acids in the diet bestowed with anti-inflammatory traits that will ease inflammation in the system.
