World Malaria Day

What Is World Malaria Day?

April 25 is World Malaria Day. It was instituted by WHO Member States at the World Health Assembly, WHO's decision-making body, in 2007. The day highlights the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment to malaria prevention and control.

From Africa Malaria Day to a Global Observance

World Malaria Day grew out of efforts in Africa.

• Africa Malaria Day came first: Before World Malaria Day was established, "Africa Malaria Day" had been observed since 2001. It began the year after malaria-endemic countries adopted the Abuja Declaration.
• Going global in 2007: The day was established as World Malaria Day at the 60th World Health Assembly in May 2007.
• An annual theme: WHO sets a theme every year. The 2026 theme was "Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must."
• One of WHO's international days: It is one of WHO's health-related international days, alongside World Health Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World AIDS Day, and others.

Malaria Is Spread by Mosquitoes

Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. It is mostly spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and does not spread directly from person to person. It is found mostly in tropical countries and is both preventable and curable. According to WHO, in 2024 there were an estimated 282 million malaria cases and 610,000 malaria deaths in 80 countries, with 95% of them in the WHO African Region.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Check this year's World Malaria Day theme on the WHO website
• If you are planning an overseas trip or business trip, look up infectious disease information for your destination
• Talk with family or coworkers about malaria and other infectious diseases around the world
• Learn about international health aid activities

A Day to Think About Global Health

For people living in Japan, malaria may not feel like a close concern, but many people around the world are still infected every year. World Malaria Day on April 25 is a chance to learn that lives are still being lost to a preventable and curable disease, and to turn our attention to global health challenges.