Speed up progress to create a healthier, malaria-free future

 World Mosquito Day offers a chance to bring attention to the threats posed by diseas­es spread by mosquitoes and the continuous fight against the deadliest animal on the planet.

The yearly event honours Sir Ronald Ross, a British physician who proved in 1897 that mosquitoes are the vector of malaria.

According to Sir Ronald Ross, the malaria parasite was found to be spread by Anopheles mosquitoes.

In honour of this signif­icant finding in the battle against malaria, every year, August 20 is observed as World Mosquito Day.

The theme for World Mosquito Day 2025 is “Ac­celerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World,” which emphasises how critical it is to remove obstacles to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malaria, particularly in underprivileged and vulnera­ble areas.

Despite medical improve­ments, millions of people still suffer from mosqui­to-borne illnesses every year, especially in tropical countries and prevention remains the best defense against these infections.

However, experts contend that eliminating this species would be morally wrong be­cause mosquitoes, like other living things, have inherent value. Similarly, pest control experts say that whereas female mosquitoes bite day and night, male mosquitoes do not bite and instead feed on plant nectar and other sugar sources.

Despite their ecological importance as pollinators and food for other animals eliminating mosquitoes is essential to preventing nuisance bites and the pain and death of hundreds of millions of people.

In light of this the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) joined the global community last Wednesday in bringing atten­tion to the pressing need to eradicate malaria and advance health equality.

AMMREN is a registered non-governmental organisa­tion made up of African jour­nalists and scientists working together towards the control and elimination of malaria.

According to AMMREN every life counts, and by working together, we can bridge the gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention,

AMMREN therefore calls on everyone to unite together to speed up progress and create a healthier, malar­ia-free future.

In solidarity with AMMREN, The Spectator encourages people to support commu­nity initiatives and concen­trate on preventative mea­sures such as using treated mosquito nets, repellent and making sure the surroundings are sanitary.

Individuals and groups can also fight for legislation that prioritise the eradication of malaria, raise awareness and support organisations that seek to control the disease.