Despite huge progress in the fight against our deadliest enemy, global efforts have now stalled and, for the first time, we're seeing malaria rising in the highest burden countries. We can't let this happen. Together, we can be the generation that ends malaria for good.
World Mosquito Day was first established in 1897, when the link between mosquitoes and malaria transmission was discovered by Sir Ronald Ross. It aims to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented, as well as fundraising for research into the cure of malaria. It is also a salute to the groundbreaking work of Sir Ross and scientists who have followed him.
World Mosquito Day, observed annually on 20 August, is a commemoration of British doctor Sir Ronald Ross's discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. Ross is responsible for the annual observance, having declared shortly after his discovery that the day should be known as World Mosquito Day in the future.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine holds Mosquito Day celebrations every year, including events such as parties and exhibitions, a tradition dating back to as early as the 1930s.
It aims to raise awareness about the causes of malaria and how it can be prevented, as well as fundraising for research into the cure of malaria. It is also a salute to the groundbreaking work of Sir Ross and scientists who have followed him.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. It’s a preventable and curable disease but unfortunately, it threatens the lives of millions of people around the world.
Do all mosquitoes transmit malaria? No. Only the infected female anopheles are able to transmit malaria to humans.
How does a mosquito transmit malaria? Can one mosquito bite cause malaria? An infected mosquito can transmit malaria to a human just by biting. If a malaria-carrying mosquito bites you, the parasite will be released into your bloodstream infecting your body.
Do mosquitoes bite in the day? When are mosquitoes most active? Mosquitoes don’t usually bite in the day. They are most active at dusk and at night. However, it’s important to remained protected during the whole day!
How many people die each year of malaria? Latest data shows that 435,000 people died from malaria in 2017. But there’re 219 million cases of malaria worldwide every year.
How many countries have cases of malaria?
Malaria is found in more than 100 countries, mainly in tropical areas of the world. However, approximately 70 per cent of the world’s malaria burden is concentrated in 11 countries: 10 on the African continent, and India. While malaria is not found in the UK, it can be diagnosed in travellers who return to the UK from endemic countries.
If you’re travelling to a malaria risk area, it’s crucial that you protect yourself against the disease. Take your malaria tablets, use mosquito repellent and always sleep under a mosquito net.
Mary’s daughter Lucy suffered with cerebral malaria – one of the worst forms of the disease. She was in hospital for over a week to get life-saving treatment, which, aside from the agony of watching your child suffer, came at a huge financial cost to Mary and their family.
We’re working with governments to ensure they have the health systems in place to protect communities like Mary’s. Lucy’s daughter is well and back at school now. Since her time in hospital their neighbour has become a Community Health Worker and is teaching the community how to keep themselves protected.
“Malaria is very common in my village... I now understand how to protect my family better thanks to the information from my neighbour…”
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