Malaria, though curable, is a deadly disease. In 2023, 263 million people were affected by it and 60 million lost their lives.
Despite significant medical advancements, we are yet to eradicate this deadly disease.
Thus, every year on April 25th, the world comes together to observe World Malaria Day—a day to raise awareness about malaria.
World Malaria Day 2025 focuses on the theme: “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” This year, WHO and other global partners are calling on governments, communities, and healthcare workers to take stronger, more creative action to fight malaria and eliminate it.
Read on to know what’s happening in the fight against malaria and how technology plays a crucial role in combating this problem.
But, why is Malaria a deadly disease?
Malaria is a non-contagious disease caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites and transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
While its mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache, when severe it causes seizures, breathing difficulties and even death.
The fact is, Malaria is preventable and curable.
Then, what makes malaria so deadly? It’s the rapid progression of symptoms which leads to organ failure if timely treatment isn’t received.
Another reason is the way it spreads in poverty-stricken regions where access to healthcare is limited. Globally, Africa has the highest Malaria burden with 95% of cases and deaths happening in the country.
The path forward: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite
The fight against malaria has been going on for decades. In the 1960s, we were close to eradicating it, but the world’s focus shifted, and progress stalled for many years. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that global efforts picked up again, preventing 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths since then.
We have insecticide-treated nets, rapid diagnostic tests, effective drugs, and even new malaria vaccines. But new challenges like climate change, drug resistance, funding gaps, and weak health systems threaten to undo decades of progress.
So, it’s time to reinvest in the strategies that work, reimagine how we can overcome obstacles, and reignite our commitment to ending malaria once and for all.
Moreover, ending malaria is not just about medicine. It’s about access, equity, and long-term commitment. The disease disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable communities, deepening inequality and slowing economic growth.
How healthtech is leading the fight against malaria
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the fight against malaria. Here are some innovative companies that are making a difference:
MariTest
MariTest, a healthtech startup from Africa, is leveraging AI and biosensors to diagnose malaria in a fast, accurate, and non-invasive way. Their device detects hemozoin, a byproduct of haemoglobin digestion by Malaria parasites in the blood cell.
MariTest device doesn’t require blood samples, making it easier to use in remote areas. It’s a reusable tool to bridge the gap in malaria diagnosis and treatment.
Aiscope
Aiscope, from Spain, has developed a portable microscope that can help diagnose malaria and other diseases using AI on cell phones. This device is affordable and easy to use, making it a great tool for diagnosing malaria in areas with limited access to medical equipment.
Zzapp Malaria
Based in Israel, Zzapp Malaria uses AI and satellite images to track where malaria is most likely to spread. Their technology helps public health workers know exactly where to focus their efforts, making malaria control more efficient and targeted.
Aqsens Health
Aqsens Health is a Finnish startup developing saliva-based tests to detect malaria using innovative nanocellulose technology. The test is affordable, easy to use, and non-invasive. It’s part of a broader solution that includes mobile apps for tracking diseases, helping people get diagnosed and treated faster.
Kainomyx
Kainomyx, based in the US, is working on small-molecule drugs that can kill the malaria parasite without harming human cells. Their research focuses on using cytoskeletal biology, the internal framework of a cell.
The malaria parasite relies on its cytoskeleton to grow, move, and invade human red blood cells. If scientists understand how the parasite’s cytoskeleton works, they can find ways to disrupt these essential processes, stopping the parasite from surviving or spreading.
Why does World Malaria Day matter?
World Malaria Day is more than just a day of awareness; it’s a crucial call to action. The progress we’ve made in the fight against malaria is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done.
On April 25, 2025, let’s unite under the theme “Malaria Ends with Us” and make a global commitment to reinvest, reimagine, and reignite the fight against malaria. Together, we can build a future where malaria is no longer a threat.
What can you do?
Support organizations working towards malaria elimination, raise awareness within your community and stay informed about prevention tools like mosquito nets and repellents. Every small effort counts in the fight against malaria.
-By Rinkle Dudhani and the AHT Team
