Amid COVID-19, WHO urges countries to step up fight against Malaria as death toll rises

In a bid to restart global war against malaria which h stalled in recent years, WHO called upon countries and global health partners to step up fight against disease that claims a large number of lives every year, despite being preventable and treatable. WHO's latest World Malaria Report states that progress against malaria continues to plateau, particularly in high burden countries in Africa. report also revealed that gaps in access to life-saving tools are undermining global efforts to curb disease, and COVID-19 pandemic is expected to set back fight even furr.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros ham Ghebreyesus said, "It is time for leers across Africa and world to rise once again to challenge of malaria, just as y did when y laid foundation for progress me since beginning of this century."

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WHO calls for reinvigorated action to fight malaria

Dr Tedros ham Ghebreyesus said, “Through joint action, and a commitment to leaving one behind, we can achieve our shared vision of a world free of malaria.”

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Pointing towards event where African leers in 2000 h signed landmark Abuja Declaration to reduce malaria deaths on continent by 50 per cent in upcoming 10 years, WHO Director-General said that robust political commitments along with new invative tools and increased funding can help control malaria at global level. According to report released by WHO, 1.5 billion malaria cases and 7.6 million deaths have been averted since 2000.

Pointing towards COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as an ditional challenge to provision of essential health services across world, World Health Organisation revealed that most malaria prevention campaigns were able to move forwards this year without major delays. international organisation has also expressed concerned over moderate disruptions in access to treatment as it could le to a considerable loss of life. 

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WHO Regional Director Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti said, "While Africa has shown world what can be achieved if we stand toger to end malaria as a public health threat, progress has stalled. COVID-19 threatens to furr derail our efforts to overcome malaria, particularly treating people with disease. Despite devastating impact COVID-19 has h on African ecomies, international partners and countries need to do more to ensure that resources are re to expand malaria programmes which are making such a difference in people’s lives."

According to World Malaria Report 2020, 21 countries have successfully eliminated malaria over last 2 deces. Out of se 21 countries, 10 countries were officially certified as malaria-free by WHO. In face of ongoing threat of antimalarial drug resistance, 6 countries of Greater Mekong subregion continue to make major gains towards ir goal of malaria elimination by 2030. But many countries with a high burden of malaria have been losing ground.  According to WHO global projections, 2020 target for reductions in malaria case incidence will be missed by 37% and mortality reduction target will be missed by 22%.

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