On every 20th August, World Mosquito Day is celebrated in commemoration of 1897 discovery by British doctor Sir Ronald Ross that female mosquitoes transmit malaria among humans. Ross is credited for his annual observance, who announced that the day will be recognized as the World Mosquito Day in the future shortly after his discovery.
Ross made his groundbreaking discovery during the work with the Indian Medical Service. He discovered that Malaria parasite is found in a female mosquito’s gastrointestinal tract. The discovery helped scientists to better understand role of Mosquito’s in the disease. This also offered a preventive starting point.
World Mosquito Day is celebrated to make people aware about causes and symptoms of Malaria so that people can be cautious to prevent or stop the breeding of Mosquito. It is an important day to manage and prevent malaria all around the World.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. It is curable, preventable and still nevertheless affects the lives of millions of people around the world. It is important to note that not all mosquitoes transmit malaria; this can only be transmitted to people by infected female anopheles.
Mosquitoes are also harmful because of their capacity to carry and spread diseases. But we cannot deny, that mosquitoes are important to the environment, since they are a source of food for many species. About 435,000 people suffer from malaria every day, according to latest estimates. Not only that, but there are projected to be around 219 million malaria cases worldwide per year.
Theme of World Mosquito Day 2024
This year the theme of World Mosquito Day 2024 is- ” Accelerating the fight against malaria for more equitable world”
Mosquitos are a threat and a host of malaria and many other deadly illnesses. Since more than 100 million years, mosquitoes have been around and many lives have suffered from disease induced and spread. Around six million deaths are caused by malaria alone every decade. Such mosquito-borne diseases are as follows:
Malaria
Dengue
Chikungunya
Yellow Fever
Encephalitis
Zika
West Nile Virus.
How to Observe World Mosquito Day?
Participate in the organization of a fundraiser that offers nets or quinine, provides information on the measures to take while traveling to dangerous areas or celebrates the successes of mosquito research and how to avoid their diseases.
Swikriti Dandotia
