World Malaria Day is observed on April 25 every year to raise awareness about malaria and mobilize resources to control the disease globally. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, mainly in sub-Saharan African regions, where this condition is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
Vulnerable groups of people, including pregnant women, infants, children below 5 years of age, migrants, emigrant people, and native peoples, continue to be primarily impacted.
As per the WHO reports, the African sections have the most significant burden of the disease accounting 2022 for 94% and 95% of malaria cases and mortality. These populations are living in a situation of poverty and with low access to education are the most impacted.
Malaria is spread by mosquitoes and remains one of the most fatal infectious diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), prompt diagnosis and treatment for this infection can lessen the severity of the disease, avert deaths, and reduce transmission. Further, WHO recommends that all suspected malaria patients be confirmed using parasite-based diagnostic testing if they show mild symptoms like fever, chills, and headache or more severe signs like fatigue, confusion, seizures and breathing issues.
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This year's World Malaria Day theme is “Accelerate the fight against malaria for a more equitable world” by Ending discrimination and stigma and involving communities in health-related policy and decision-making framework.
Significance of World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day is significant because it provides an opportunity to:
Raise Awareness
By educating communities about malaria's causes, symptoms, and prevention, World Malaria Day helps reduce the stigma associated with the disease and encourages early diagnosis and treatment.
Mobilize Resources
This day serves as a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to pledge their support and resources towards malaria control and elimination efforts.
Advocate for Action
World Malaria Day is a call to action for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to ending malaria through innovative strategies and interventions.
Role Of Nutrition In Malaria Recovery
Good nutrition triggers the immune system and feeds the immune-protective cells that help sustain a high immune response and stay disease-free. Thus, it boosts the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases and supports a faster recovery process.
5 Supplements For Malaria Recovery
Prompt and effective treatment with antimalarial drugs is the primary approach for managing malaria, certain supplements can support recovery and help alleviate symptoms. Here are five supplements that may be beneficial:
Iron
Malaria can lead to anaemia by destroying red blood cells and can make the person weak and exhausted. Hence, iron supplementation is recommended to replenish iron stores and support red blood cell production.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency is common in malaria-endemic regions and can exacerbate the severity of malaria. Vitamin A supplementation may help improve immune function and reduce the risk of complications.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital trace mineral that holds a key role in immune function and may help shorten the duration of malaria symptoms. Zinc supplementation can support recovery and reduce the risk of secondary infections.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight oxidative stress and inflammation, which are elevated during malaria infection. Vitamin C supplementation may help reduce symptoms, ease inflammation and support faster recovery.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is common in individuals with malaria and can contribute to muscle cramps and fatigue. Magnesium supplementation may help alleviate these symptoms and support overall recovery.
Conclusion
World Malaria Day is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to control and eliminate malaria. While prevention remains the cornerstone of malaria control, supplements can play a supportive role in recovery. To ensure safety and efficacy, get advice from a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially in malaria-endemic regions. Together, we can work towards a malaria-free world.
References:
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-malaria-day/2024
Effect of dietary Intervention on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among 6–18-month-old children in rural Malawi
Hany Sady, corresponding author1,2 David Chaima,#3 Lotta Hallamaa,1 Emma Kortekangas,1 Ulla Ashorn,1 Jomo Banda,3 Charles Mangani,3 Kenneth Maleta,3 Per Ashorn,1,4 and Yue-Mei Fan1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10496296/
Enhanced effect of seasonal malaria chemoprevention when coupled with nutrients supplementation for preventing malaria in children under 5 years old in Burkina Faso: a randomized open label trial
Paul Sondo, Bérenger Kaboré, Toussaint Rouamba, Eulalie Compaoré, Yssimini Nadège Guillène Tibiri, Hyacinthe Abd-El Latif Faïçal Kaboré, Karim Derra, Marc Christian Tahita, Hamidou Ilboudo, Gauthier
https://malariajournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12936-023-04745-6
