Malaria Day in the Americas, observed every November 6, offers an opportunity for the countries of the Region to encourage participation and galvanize the commitment of various actors and stakeholders in the fight against malaria. Caused by the parasite Plasmodium, malaria is a life-threatening disease that is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Every year, around 250 million people are inflicted with malaria, which results in approximately 1 million deaths worldwide.
Malaria Day in the Americas seeks to attain the following objectives:
- Improve the communication process and extension of advocacy work to all stakeholders and target audiences.
- Enhance visibility/interest on Malaria in the Region of Americas and the global scourge that the disease brings to peoples of the world.
- Increase awareness and understanding of the key issues among target audience/population.
- Catalyze change of attitudes and modification of behaviors in the affected population.
- Generate advocacy/support from the public, policy makers, private sector and strategic partners.
- Encourage increased and enduring support to efforts against malaria, including the elimination of local transmission in areas where such is feasible.