The World Malaria Day was initiated by WHO member states during the World Health Assembly in 2007. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations Organization that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. The World Malaria Day was born out of the efforts taking place across the African continent to commemorate Africa’s Malaria Day. World Malaria Day is established to identify the existence of Malaria in the world and to bring greater awareness to the global conflict against the disease. The day allows health organizations and scientists to communicate information about the disease and about current research efforts, to the public. This is executed through public educational programs, charity events, and other community activities. 

Each and every year members of the United Nations commemorate World Malaria Day. Every year a different theme is announced by the WHO and this year it is “Time to deliver zero Malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement”. Under this theme, WHO will focus on the third ‘’I – Implement” and notably the critical importance of reaching vulnerable populations with the tools and strategies that are available today. 

Furthermore, under the theme for World Malaria Day 2023 ‘’Time to deliver zero Malaria’’ the WHO will focus on the first “I – invest’’ and notably on the necessity of prioritizing the funding for the most vulnerable people. Moreover, WHO will focus on the second ‘’I- innovate’’ and will develop policy recommendations or amendments to support their deployment in Malaria affected countries. In addition to that, WHO will focus on the third ‘’I – Implement” and address technological challenges facing implementation. 

As we mark World Malaria Day 2023, it is worth reflecting on the tremendous progress that has been made in Malaria prevention, control and research over the past several decades. The availability of medicines, public health facilities and trained health workers to people in the areas of the world affected by Malaria has made Malaria a preventable disease. However, there is still much work and research to be done to develop new drugs and novel approaches for the prevention of Malaria and for the eradication of the disease. 

World Malaria Day serves as an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment toward Malaria prevention.