Latest news with #MalariaEndswithUs
Business Standard
29-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Reckitt Unveils First-of-its-Kind Art Installation in Bhavnagar to Raise Awareness on Vector-Borne Diseases
BusinessWire India Bhavnagar (Gujarat) [India], April 29: To mark World Malaria Day 2025, Reckitt, a leading global consumer health and hygiene company, through its 'Self Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five' program, with support of Government of Gujarat and District Health Department, Bhavnagar, reaffirmed its commitment to combat malaria, dengue and other vector-borne diseases. A first-of-its-kind public installation spotlighting this year's World Malaria Day theme, "Malaria Ends with Us - Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite". This installation was curated by renowned Indian sculptor Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary, who is also celebrated for his groundbreaking creation, the World's First Innovative Rolling Painting. This public installation, themed "Malaria Ends with Us - Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite" will go a long way as a reminder to invest in prevention of malaria, dengue and other vector borne diseases. The installation is made from 100% recycled and recyclable materials, in light with the issues of climate change. The aim is to bring the community in the state of Gujarat to actively invest their time in awareness activities and reignite a movement to see India Malaria-Free by 2030, aligning with nation's purpose. Supported by the brand Mortein under Reckitt, the sculpture is inspired by Louie the Mosquito, the face of Mortein since 1957. Crafted from MS Rods and scrap metal, the sculpture features three large mosquito figures resting on pillars adorned with citronella grass and marigold flowers, both natural mosquito repellents. A key design element includes dynamic lighting that changes based on local malaria trends: green colour indicates low risk, orange colour signals alerts, and red colour warns of severe outbreaks. An integrated LED screen continuously displays key messages on "Know, Act, and Control" for malaria because awareness of malaria is prevention of malaria. This feature provides clear information and encourages public participation in malaria prevention and control. This sculpture is installed in India at Sir Takhtasinhji Hospital and Government Medical College, Bhavnagar. The installation draws inspiration from various art installations across the world that have been set up to generate awareness on critical issues, such as "The Water Tank Project" in New York City to highlight global water crises and "The Umbrella Project" in Portugal to raise awareness about mental health, among many others. Implemented by Plan India, in partnership with the National Health Mission, and the District Health Department, this initiative seeks to empower communities with knowledge and encourage proactive measures to prevent vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. The ceremony was graced by Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, Hon'ble Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, along with Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Mayor, Bhavnagar Municpal Corporation (BMC), Bhavnagar; Dr. Narander Kumar Meena, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, BMC, Bhavnagar; Shri Rajubhai Rabadiya, Chairman, Standing Committee, BMC, Bhavnagar; Dr. Chandramani Kumar, Chief District Health Officer, Bhavnagar; Dr. Chinmay Shah, Medical Superintendent (District Government Hospital) and renowned artist Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in India with 2 million estimated malaria cases in 2023, according to the World Malaria Report 2024. World Malaria Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to invest in prevention, empower communities, and strengthen our health systems. The newly unveiled 18-foot-tall mosquito sculpture stands as a striking symbol of hope and action. Nimuben Bambhaniya, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, said, "On the occasion of World Malaria Day, I am pleased to have inaugurated the striking mosquito sculpture at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital and Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, in collaboration with Reckitt and Plan India. This powerful installation serves as an important reminder of the need for public health awareness. I appreciate the efforts of the 'Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under 5' initiative and all the teams involved for their dedication to this cause." Rajubhai Rabadiya, Chairman, Standing Committee, Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhavnagar, said, "On the occasion of World Malaria Day, Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya, Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, from Bhavnagar Nagar Palika, inaugurated a mosquito sculpture at Sir Takhtasinhji General Hospital and Government Medical College. On behalf of Bhavnagar Nagar Palika, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations for the installation of the sculpture provided by Reckitt and Plan India. During the function, Shri Bharatbhai Barad, Mayor of Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, along with Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya's team, the Plan India team, and all of us were present. This sculpture not only enhances the beauty of the hospital premises but also plays a significant role in raising public awareness. Congratulations and best wishes to the entire team involved in this commendable initiative." Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt, South Asia, said, "At Reckitt, we firmly believe that change begins with empowering people at the grassroots. Through our 'Self-Care for New Moms and Kids Under Five' program, we are combining innovation with community-led action to equip families with the right knowledge and tools to stay protected from malaria. Aligned with this year's World Malaria Day theme, 'Malaria Ends with Us - Reinvest. Reimagine. Reignite', our efforts focus on prevention, education, and collaboration. We are grateful to the Government of Gujarat for their support in this mission. Each step we take today strengthens the foundation of a healthier, more resilient India - and brings us closer to the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047." This initiative supports WHO's global efforts to re-energize action towards malaria elimination by promoting grassroots education and awareness. The program includes health education on malaria symptoms and prevention by Community Health Workers (CHWs), alongside partnerships with local health departments to boost testing and surveillance. Leveraging innovative tools such as the "Malaria Suraksha Chakra" and custom-designed school kits, the campaign emphasized the role of behavior change communication (BCC) in preventing mosquito-borne illnesses. Reckitt's installation represents a pioneering fusion of public health and public art, transforming a public space into a hub of education, engagement, and innovation. It stands not just as a work of art, but as a beacon of hope--signaling Bhavnagar's leadership in creative health interventions and inspiring similar efforts across India and the world.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Malaria prevalence highest in Mizoram: Officials
Aizawl: Mizoram continues to have the highest prevalence of malaria in the entire country as per the annual parasite incidence (API) figures, officials of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) under the National Health Mission (NHM) said on Friday. The officials revealed the situation of malaria in the state on World Malaria Day, saying the number of malarial cases detected per 1,000 samples tested in the state is highest among other states in the country. The theme of this year's World Malaria Day is 'Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Re-imagine, Re-ignite'. Emphasising the need for eradication of malaria, the officials said source reduction drive (SRD) should be given utmost importance in the villages to declare their respective villages as malaria free. State health minister Lalrinpuii said out of 18,005 malaria cases detected, 13 people died during 2023, and 7 died out of 16,899 malaria cases last year. There has been no report of malarial death during this year even as 866 malaria cases have been discovered since Jan till March, Lalrinpuii said. "Since Mizoram continues to have the highest malaria prevalence in the country, efforts must be made during the remaining 2 years as the central govt has set the deadline for total eradication of malaria by the year 2027," she said.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Liberia: President Boakai Declares Friday, April 25, as 'World Malaria Day'
The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has, by proclamation, declared Friday, April 25, 2025, as " World Malaria Day," and is to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday. According to a Foreign Ministry release, April 25, 2025 is the 18th World Malaria Day, which will be celebrated under the global theme: " Malaria Ends with Us: Reimagine, Reignite," and the local slogan ' Zero Malaria Starts with me." The Government of Liberia, realizing the significance of protecting the wellbeing of its citizens and foreign residents, has ratified the Convention on the Right of the Child to good health and nutrition and, as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), will join other global health partners in supporting all health programs aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the guiding principle to Leave No One Behind. The proclamation has called upon the Ministry of Health and other Government Agencies, as well as International Organizations concerned to initiate and execute programs to mark the commemoration of the day. The proclamation says the 2024 Malaria Report shows about 94% of the estimated 263 million malaria cases and 95% if the estimated 597,000 malaria-related deaths occurred in the WHO/AFRO Region, and with under-five years accounting for 76% of malaria-related deaths in the region. According to the Presidential proclamation, continued investments in Malaria prevention and control will propel malaria-endemic countries, which include Liberia, along the path to achieving the targets of the Global Malaria Technical Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to improving child survival and maternal health, eradicating extreme poverty, and expanding equitable access to quality health services, specifically for malaria prevention and prompt treatment. Cognizant of the harmful effects and burden malaria places on the human race, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the World over, a Resolution declaring April 25 of each year as Africa Malaria Day, amended as World Malaria Day was adopted by the Summit of African Head of States and Government held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1997, which called on all member states of the then Organization of African Unity (OAU), now African Union (AU), to initiate and implement Plans of Action and make appropriate investments to curtail malaria morbidity and mortality rates in Africa. The 2024 World Malaria Report with the theme addressing inequality in the global malaria response has recognized Liberia effort in the fight against the malaria disease and has congratulated her for the reduction in the malaria burden in the country especially among the venerable population, the proclamation says. It further states that In Liberia, all-cause under-five mortality rate has declined from 94 per 1,000 live births in 2013 to 93 per 1,000 live births in 2019 and hospital admissions for severe malaria has declined from 8% in 2020 to 6% in 2024 and the Government annual expenditure on health has remained steady in the range of 10 to 14% over the past 10 years, in fulfilment of the Abuja Declaration that calls for members states to allocate 15% of national budget to health. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
