What You Should Know About World Malaria Day 2025
Every year on the 25th of April, the world comes together to observe World Malaria Day. It is a day set aside to reflect on the global efforts aimed at controlling and ultimately eradicating malaria. This tropical disease, transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, continues to ravage communities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where the burden remains most severe.
As the world advances in technology and health care, the cry for equitable access to life-saving malaria prevention and treatment tools has never been louder. World Malaria Day 2025 carries with it renewed hope and determination in the face of persistent public health challenges.
In Osun and across Nigeria, World Malaria Day is not just another global observance. It is a call to action. From our rural communities to urban centres, we see the direct consequences of malaria—disrupted schooling, lost productivity, and grieving families.
The reality is that malaria is both preventable and curable, yet it still claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually. This year’s campaign places special emphasis on bridging the healthcare gap, promoting public awareness, and encouraging stakeholders at all levels to commit to strategic, sustained efforts that can make a difference.
This feature seeks to break down what every citizen—be they student, worker, policymaker, or parent—ought to know about World Malaria Day 2025.
Beyond the statistics and slogans, OSUN DEFENDER delves into the practical implications of the day, the lessons of past years, and the action points that should resonate with us all. In Osun State, the battle against malaria is personal—and it is high time we armed ourselves with the right information and resolve to win this war.
1. The History and Purpose of World Malaria Day
World Malaria Day was first established in May 2007 by the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). The goal was to provide education and understanding of malaria and to spread information on the control strategies deployed around the world. Since then, the day has become a platform to mobilise political will and resources for malaria prevention and treatment.
The disease itself has a long and deadly history. Malaria has plagued humanity for centuries, with early accounts tracing it to ancient Chinese and Greek medical texts. Despite medical breakthroughs, including the discovery of quinine and the development of insecticide-treated nets, malaria remains a formidable foe, especially in low-income countries. World Malaria Day reminds the global community that the fight is far from over.
This year’s theme is centred around resilience and equity—echoing the growing need to ensure that no one is left behind. As we observe the day in 2025, the world is being urged to reflect on the lessons learnt during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted malaria interventions. It is time to refocus, reinvest, and recommit to ending malaria within a generation.
2. Malaria in Nigeria: The Grim Statistics and Human Stories
Nigeria bears one of the highest burdens of malaria in the world. According to the WHO, the country accounts for nearly 27% of global malaria cases and 32% of malaria deaths. These figures are not just numbers—they represent real people, real families, and real suffering. From Osogbo to Ife, Ede to Iwo, countless households continue to feel the sting of malaria’s devastating impact.
Malaria remains a major cause of outpatient visits and hospital admissions, especially among children under five and pregnant women. Despite government efforts through the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), challenges such as drug resistance, limited access to quality health care, and poor sanitation persist. In many rural areas, people still rely on traditional remedies, often delaying effective treatment.
The human cost cannot be overstated. Behind every death is a mother who mourns, a child who struggles in school due to recurrent illness, a breadwinner whose productivity is lost to days in bed. World Malaria Day 2025 is a moment for Nigeria, and particularly Osun State, to re-examine local strategies, strengthen community health systems, and demand accountability from both government and development partners.
3. Progress Made and Innovations in the Fight Against Malaria
In the face of adversity, there have been noteworthy strides. One of the most celebrated breakthroughs in recent years is the development and rollout of malaria vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and the R21/Matrix-M vaccine, which has strong ties to Nigerian research efforts. These vaccines offer renewed hope for a disease that has long resisted simple eradication methods.
Additionally, the widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) has led to a decline in malaria prevalence in several high-burden countries. In Osun, public health campaigns have increased awareness about preventive measures, although logistical hurdles and inconsistent supply of health commodities still hinder progress.
World Malaria Day 2025 is a chance to highlight these innovations and push for their equitable distribution. Scientific advancement alone is not enough—it must be paired with political will, community engagement, and targeted investment in health infrastructure. Only then can these promising tools reach the people who need them most.
4. The Role of Communities and Grassroots Advocacy
It is often said that the fight against malaria begins at home—and this couldn’t be truer. Communities play a pivotal role in both the spread and the prevention of malaria. Simple practices such as keeping surroundings clean, eliminating stagnant water, and using mosquito nets can go a long way. Yet, behavioural change remains one of the biggest challenges in endemic areas.
Community health workers are the unsung heroes in this war. In remote villages across Osun State, they deliver medications, educate residents, and act as the bridge between formal healthcare systems and underserved populations. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, but their impact is invaluable.
World Malaria Day 2025 urges communities to take ownership of their health. Grassroots advocacy, especially among youth and faith-based groups, can amplify the message of prevention. When citizens understand the risks and responsibilities tied to malaria, collective action becomes more effective and sustainable.
5. What Can You Do? Practical Steps for Individuals and Institutions
Fighting malaria is not only the job of health workers and policymakers—it is a collective responsibility. Individuals must begin by educating themselves and those around them.
Proper use of mosquito nets, prompt treatment when symptoms arise, and maintaining a clean environment are critical steps that anyone can take. For institutions—schools, religious centres, businesses—there is also work to be done. Educational programmes, free distribution of nets, and inclusion of malaria talks in public gatherings can raise consciousness.
Media houses, especially community radio stations in Osun, have a duty to keep malaria in the public discourse beyond April 25. World Malaria Day 2025 is a reminder that every action counts. Whether you are a student sharing information on social media or a local leader influencing policy, your contribution matters. Together, through informed decisions and unified efforts, malaria can be defeated in our lifetime.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
