World Malaria Day Issued by: Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, District Medical and Health Officer, Visakhapatnam | Date: 23.04.2026

Since 2008, in accordance with directives from the Central Government, we have been observing World Malaria Day annually on April 25th. Similarly, for the year 2026, the government has issued orders to observe World Malaria Day under the key slogan: "Towards Malaria Eradication—Now We Can Achieve It... Now We Must Achieve It." The primary objectives of this initiative are to curb the spread of malaria, eradicate the disease, create public awareness regarding the ailment, implement mosquito control measures, and strive towards a malaria-free world. On this day, governments and various organizations educate the public regarding the preventive measures that need to be adopted to combat malaria. On April 25th—World Malaria Day—rallies, group meetings, and awareness sessions will be organized with the cooperation of various departments, including Panchayat, Municipal, Anganwadi, Education, and others.

Subsequently, the District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, unveiled the World Malaria Day banner.

Speaking on this occasion, the District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, stated that malaria is caused by a parasite known as *Plasmodium*. The disease spreads from one person to another through the bite of the female *Anopheles* mosquito.  Symptoms of malaria include severe headaches, body aches, chills, fever accompanied by shivering, intermittent fever (occurring every other day), excessive sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals experiencing fever should undergo a blood test at a Primary Health Center, any government hospital, or through health workers to confirm the diagnosis. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment. Since malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, surroundings must be kept clean to prevent mosquito breeding. Everyone should use mosquito nets. Ensure that there is no stagnant water accumulation either inside or outside the home. Any existing water containers should be emptied and dried once a week. Mosquito larvae are likely to breed in discarded coconut shells, tea cups, used tires, grinding stones, and plastic containers. As refrigerators, air coolers, and flower vases can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, people should drain the water from these items every three days. We urge the public to actively participate in mosquito control measures, thereby contributing to the prevention of malaria.

The District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao; the District Malaria Officer, Sri G. Vara Prasada Reddy; Assistant Malaria Officers; and other malaria control staff members participated in this program.

District Medical and Health Officer,
Visakhapatnam.

                 K.V.SHARMA EDITOR