E-2025 Initiative of WHO

E-2025 Initiative of WHO: World Health Organization has unveiled a new report titled “Zeroing in on Malaria Elimination” just ahead of World Malaria Day on April 25th. This report highlights the advancements achieved through WHO’s E-2025 initiative, which has pinpointed 25 countries capable of eradicating malaria by the year 2025. This initiative signifies a significant step forward in the global effort to eliminate malaria, showcasing the progress and potential for success in these identified regions.

About E-2025 Initiative

Initiative launched by WHO to tackle Malaria.
Under this initiative WHO Identifies 25 countries with the potential to be malaria-free by 2025.
The E-2020 initiative was launched by WHO in 2017.
The initiative supported 21 countries in their efforts to get to zero malaria cases within the 2020 timeline.
The countries were identified by WHO in 2016 as having the potential to become malaria-free by 2020.
Building on the successes of the E-2020, WHO has launched the E-2025 initiative.
The countries will receive technical and on-the-ground support by WHO and its partners, in their work towards the target of zero malaria.
In return, the countries will audit their elimination programs annually, participate in elimination forums, conduct surveillance assessments, and share malaria case data periodically.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious, life-threatening illness caused by parasites known as Plasmodium. These parasites are transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Transmission Process: The primary mode of transmission is the bite of infected mosquitoes. Initially, the parasites multiply in liver cells and then target Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in the human body.
Parasite Species and Impact: Five parasite species can cause Malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax posing the greatest threat.
Geographical Distribution: Malaria is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, South America, and Asia.
Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever, flu-like illness, chills, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue.
Prevention and Treatment: Malaria is preventable and curable. Vector control, mainly targeting mosquitoes, is crucial for prevention. Antimalarial medicines like Chemoprophylaxis and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) are used for prevention and treatment.
Vaccine Development: The RTS,S vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, is safe and reduces malaria risk by almost 40%.It works by training the immune system to combat the most dangerous malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Notably, it is the first and only vaccine demonstrating partial protection in young children.

Global Malaria Program

It was launched by WHO and is responsible for coordinating WHO’s global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Its work is guided by the “Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030”. The strategy aims to reduce malaria case incidence and mortality rates by at least 40% by 2020, at least 75% by 2025 and at least 90% by 2030 against a 2015 baseline.

Malaria Elimination Initiative

It was launched by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This initiative focuses on eliminating malaria in certain regions of the world through a combination of strategies, including increasing access to effective treatments, reducing the mosquito population, and developing new tools and technologies to combat the disease.

India’s Efforts

National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme Overview: The National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme serves as a comprehensive initiative for the prevention and control of various vector-borne diseases, including Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Dengue, Chikungunya, Kala-azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis.

National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) – Inception and Key Activities: Launched in 1953, the NMCP focuses on three pivotal activities: Insecticidal residual spray (IRS) with DDT, monitoring and surveillance of cases, and the treatment of patients as part of a concerted effort against malaria.

National Framework for Malaria Elimination 2016-2030: Aligned with the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 (GTS), the National Framework for Malaria Elimination aims to achieve zero indigenous cases of malaria throughout the entire country by 2030. Additionally, it seeks to maintain malaria-free status in areas where transmission has been interrupted and prevent re-introduction.

High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) Initiative: Launched in July 2019 across four states (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh), the HBHI Initiative focuses on distributing Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to high burden areas. This strategic approach has successfully reduced endemicity in these four highly affected states.

Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India): Established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India brings together various partners dedicated to malaria control. This collaborative effort aims to advance research and initiatives for the effective elimination of malaria.

Conclusion

India is steadfast in its goal to eradicate malaria by 2030, with a target to achieve a malaria-free status by 2027. The nation has made remarkable strides in combating the disease, successfully reducing malaria cases by an impressive 66% from 2018 to 2022. These substantial advancements reflect India’s unwavering commitment to creating a malaria-free future through a series of strategic measures and interventions.