20 August is World Mosquito Day, a global commemoration of Sir Ronald Ross’ discovery in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

World Mosquito Day presents us with an opportunity to raise awareness of the dangers of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and to shine the spotlight on the ongoing efforts in the fight against the world’s deadliest creature.

Global efforts against the mosquito have saved more than 7.6 million lives and prevented over 1.5 billion malaria cases since 2000, but our work is not done. To end malaria for half the world that is still at-risk of this deadly and preventable disease, we must stay ahead of an ever-evolving parasite and mosquito. To do this, we need to innovate how we reach the most vulnerable with the right interventions at the right time.

If we stay the course in our commitment to innovation, ending malaria is possible. With robust, urgent investment, we can protect past gains and accelerate progress toward a malaria-free world. Join us to create a buzz this World Mosquito Day!