Latest news with #WorldMalariaReport2024
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill Gates issues scathing statement on Elon Musk over DOGE foreign aid cuts: 'The world's richest man killing the world's poorest children'
Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates did not mince words when commenting on the impact that sweeping cuts imposed by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency would have on global health, telling the Financial Times, "The picture of the world's richest man killing the world's poorest children is not a pretty one." Gates' concerns stem from DOGE's drastic and sudden dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which has left global health systems reeling when it comes to preventing and treating diseases like malaria, a disease that kills roughly 600,000 people per year, according to the World Health Organization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that 76% of those deaths are in children under 5. While it may sound like something from the past to many Americans, malaria has actually become a bigger problem in many parts of the world in recent years as rising global temperatures and heavy rainfalls have expanded the time of year and the damp settings in which mosquitoes thrive and breed. Thus, the cuts to global health funding come at a time when rising temperatures are influencing the spread of this and other diseases, with some of the world's most vulnerable people being impacted by both changing weather patterns and growing health threats simultaneously. "Populations in situations of vulnerability in Africa are particularly affected by the most severe impacts of climate change, and many of these same communities are at high risk of contracting malaria," warned the WHO World Malaria Report 2024. The effects of cuts to U.S. government funding are already being felt, particularly in Africa, where the WHO says 95% of malaria deaths occur. In Kenya, a program to prevent the spread of malaria by conducting indoor spraying during the rainy season has been canceled after U.S. funding was withdrawn, according to Context News. Malaria prevention and treatment programs from Kenya to Mozambique have been either cut completely or severely scaled back just in time for the region's rainy season, when prevention efforts typically kick into high gear. Cuts made to such programs will have both immediate and long-lasting ramifications. Malaria cases are already on the rise in places such as Uganda, and once these trends start, they can take years or even decades to rein back in. "History has shown us what happens if we let our guard down against malaria," said Daniel Ngamije, director of the WHO World Malaria Program, according to Context News. "In 1969, the global eradication effort was abandoned, triggering a resurgence in cases and deaths. It took nearly 30 years for world leaders to come together and restore momentum." And with breakthroughs in vaccines and antimalarials sitting right at the threshold, cuts to research now have the potential to cost scores of infections in the future. Malaria treatment, prevention, and eradication form a pillar of the Gates Foundation, focused on global health. Gates himself has just announced a new commitment to spend down $200 billion before dissolving the foundation in 20 years. Do you think billionaires spend their money wisely? Definitely No way Some do Most do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
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Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
World Malaria Day: India shows the way, but global fight far from over
They've haunted your nights with their buzz and bites — draining not just your blood, but your peace of mind. But the world is finally pushing back. On World Malaria Day 2025, new data signals real progress in taming one of humanity's oldest foes — though the battle is far from over. According to the World Malaria Report 2024, significant progress was observed in global malaria elimination efforts during 2023–24. The number of malaria-endemic countries dropped from 85 in 2022 to 83. Impressively, by 2024, 26 countries that were endemic in 2000 reported zero indigenous cases for three consecutive years. In 2023, global malaria deaths were estimated at 597,000, with a mortality rate of 13.7 per 100,000—a decline from 622,000 deaths and a 14.9 mortality rate in 2020, reflecting consistent global progress. India's remarkable strides in Malaria elimination India has shown notable advancement in reducing both malaria cases and mortality, especially in high-endemic states. In a major milestone, the country exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, owing to sustained progress. According to the report, India's estimated malaria cases fell from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023—a 69% reduction. Likewise, estimated malaria deaths declined from 11,100 to 3,500, showing a 68% decrease. This significant drop aligns with India's national goal to eliminate malaria by 2030. Policy & health infrastructure supporting India's progress Launched in 2016, the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) laid out the country's long-term roadmap. Its operational arm, the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023–2027), emphasises enhanced surveillance, efficient case management, and real-time data monitoring through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). To improve diagnostic accuracy, National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) have been established. Simultaneously, Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies—like Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs)—have effectively curbed mosquito populations. Urban malaria control has also improved through targeted action against the Anopheles stephensi mosquito species. Further integrating malaria services into broader public healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat initiative ensures care reaches even the most vulnerable. Community Health Officers and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are playing a pivotal role in service delivery at the grassroots level. Persistent challenges in the global fight Despite encouraging trends, malaria remains a pressing global health concern, with nearly 600,000 lives lost in 2023. The African Region continues to bear the brunt of the burden, accounting for 95% of global malaria cases. Progress in many regions is being undermined by fragile health systems, drug and insecticide resistance, and climate change. Additionally, conflict, poverty, and displacement are making malaria harder to control. A recent WHO assessment revealed that over half of malaria-endemic countries face moderate to severe disruptions in malaria services. WHO has also sounded an alarm about funding cuts in 2025, warning that without adequate investment, gains made so far could be reversed—placing millions of lives at risk. World Malaria Day 2025: A renewed call to action Observed every year on April 25, World Malaria Day is a global WHO-led initiative to raise awareness and galvanise action. The 2025 theme, 'Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,' underscores the urgent need to re-energise global, national, and community-level efforts. Reinvest - Malaria elimination requires financial sustainability. In a time of funding constraints, domestic resource mobilization and efficient use of existing funds are vital. Malaria control is an investment that yields long-term economic and social benefits. Reimagine - As the malaria landscape evolves, so must our strategies. Digital tools, strong surveillance, and adaptive delivery models—especially in conflict-affected or high-risk zones—are essential. Community-led case management and cross-border collaboration can also ensure broader, more equitable access. Reignite - Beating malaria is about more than strategy—it's about urgency, passion, and commitment. Political leadership, motivated health workers, and engaged communities form the backbone of successful malaria programs. True change will only come when everyone—everywhere—takes ownership of this fight. Looking ahead, India remains steadfast in its goal to eliminate Malaria by 2030. The government is committed to achieving zero Indigenous cases by 2027 and ensuring prevention of Malaria re-establishment. By combining strategic frameworks, robust interventions, and community engagement, India is setting a global benchmark in malaria elimination and reaffirming its commitment to public health excellence.
Hans India
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Government continuously working towards 'malaria-free India': Anupriya Patel
The government is continuously working towards achieving the goal of 'Malaria Free India', said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Singh Patel on World Malaria Day on Friday. World Malaria Day is observed every year on April 25 to raise awareness against the disease. This year's theme 'Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, reimagine, reignite' aims to re-energise efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination. 'On the occasion of World Malaria Day, it is the responsibility of all of us to spread awareness about a deadly disease like malaria and make collective efforts to eradicate it,' Patel shared in a post on social media platform X. 'The Government of India is continuously working towards the goal of 'Malaria Free India'. Let us all together make this campaign a success,' she added. Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030. The government is committed to achieving zero indigenous cases by 2027. The latest World Malaria Report 2024, released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in December last year, showed that India achieved major progress in malaria elimination, with a 69 per cent drop in cases and a 68 per cent reduction in deaths between 2017 and 2023. Contributing just 0.8 per cent of global cases in 2023, India also exited from the WHO's High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, marking a significant public health achievement. "Every year millions of people are affected by malaria, whereas it is a preventable and curable disease," Patel said. To prevent the disease, she urged people to "keep cleanliness, protect yourself from mosquitoes, wear full sleeve clothes, use a mosquito net and repellent. Get yourself checked immediately if you have a fever." Globally, about 2.2 billion cases of malaria and 12.7 million deaths due to the mosquito-borne disease have been averted since 2000, said WHO. To date, the WHO has certified 45 countries and 1 territory as malaria-free, and many countries with a low burden of malaria continue to move steadily towards the goal of elimination. Of the remaining 83 malaria-endemic countries, 25 reported fewer than 10 cases of the disease in 2023. Despite significant gains, malaria remains a major public health challenge, with nearly 600,000 lives lost to the disease in 2023 alone. The African Region is hardest hit, shouldering an estimated 95 per cent of the malaria burden each year.
