Every year on April 25, the world comes together to observe World Malaria Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases that still affects millions globally. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of malaria prevention and the ongoing battle to eliminate malaria from the face of the earth. At DPS Greater Faridabad, we recognize the power of education in shaping healthier communities, and this year, we focused on bringing critical awareness about malaria and mosquito-borne diseases to our students.

🔍 What is Malaria and Why Should We Care?

Malaria is a deadly disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Although malaria can be prevented, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 241 million cases of malaria were recorded globally in 2020, with 627,000 deaths. These statistics underscore the urgent need for heightened awareness, prevention, and public health action.

Key Facts:

• Malaria kills over 600,000 people every year, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Children under 5 are particularly vulnerable, with 67% of malaria deaths occurring in this age group.
• Global malaria funding has increased significantly in recent years, but much work remains to be done in ensuring every individual is protected.

🚫 Symptoms of Malaria

Understanding the symptoms of malaria is key to early detection and treatment. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Headaches and muscle pain
• Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting
• Sweating and shivering

If not treated quickly, malaria can escalate into severe complications, making prevention and early treatment vital.

🛡️ Preventing Malaria: What You Can Do

One of the main themes of World Malaria Day 2025 will be to emphasize prevention—because a single bite from an infected mosquito can lead to serious consequences. At DPS Greater Faridabad, we want our students and their families to take steps to prevent malaria by implementing simple, effective measures:

1. Use Mosquito Nets: Sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets remains one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria.
2. Apply Mosquito Repellent: Using repellents on exposed skin, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk), can reduce the risk of bites.
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants can shield your skin from mosquito bites.
4. Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly empty water containers and clean areas that may collect stagnant water.
5. Use Mosquito Screens: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with mesh screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

🌍 What DPS Greater Faridabad is Doing

At DPS Greater Faridabad, we are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students. To prevent the spread of malaria and other diseases, the school has implemented several preventive measures:

1. Regular Fogging: We conduct fogging in and around the school premises to kill any mosquitoes and reduce the risk of transmission.
2. Awareness Campaigns: We frequently share tips and information about malaria prevention with students and parents.
3. Clean Campus Initiative: Our campus maintenance team works diligently to ensure that there are no stagnant water bodies on school grounds. This reduces the mosquito breeding grounds around the school.
4. Mosquito Netting in Dormitories: For our boarding students, we ensure that all beds are equipped with mosquito nets to provide additional protection during the night.
5. Collaborations with Health Organizations: We collaborate with local health authorities and organizations to ensure that our preventive measures are up-to-date and effective.

💡 Final Thoughts

World Malaria Day 2025 is not just about awareness but also about taking actionable steps to fight the disease. At DPS Greater Faridabad, we are dedicated to educating our students about malaria prevention and promoting safe practices to create a healthier environment. Together, we can make significant strides toward eliminating malaria.