World Mosquito Day 2020: Theme, History, Significance, Facts

World Mosquito Day – 20 August 2020

Malaria is a dreadful disease that has killed many over the years. World mosquito day is a great day to recognize the efforts of Sir Ronald Ross. It was in the year 1897 that Sir Ronald Ross found a groundbreaking discovery that eventually led to the path-breaking connection between mosquitoes and Malaria.

Until then, the world was ultimately in the dark about this connection between mosquitoes and the deadly disease caused by it. 20th of August every year, therefore, is celebrated as World Mosquito Day.

World Mosquito Day is more about awareness-raising and propagation regarding the disease of Malaria. Mosquitoes also transmit other deadly diseases and world mosquito day is all about them.

The British doctor established a newfound truth in medical science that it is the female mosquito species that is responsible for transmitting Malaria among human beings.

World Mosquito Day 2020 – History

World Mosquito Day is celebrated since the year 1930. Major celebrations are held by the London school of hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It’s a known fact that mosquitoes carry with them deadly disease-causing substances. These substances can transmit infections among millions of humans, and mosquito bites are the most common cause of deaths across the world.

For centuries long, the world was unaware that the female breeds of mosquitoes were the carriers and transmitting vectors of Malaria among humans. Malaria is a life-threatening disease. After Sir Ronald Ross made the path-breaking discovery, he received the Nobel Prize of honour in the field of Medicine.

World Mosquito Day 2020 – Significance

The need to celebrate World Mosquito day with greater importance and significance is the need of the hour. Prominence to spread awareness about diseases caused by mosquitoes. The general public needs to be educated about healthy living habits and simple ways to avoid mosquito breeding around their homes.

Mosquito menace is a big problem worldwide. A small puddle of stagnant water causes mosquito breeding which leads to an infestation in that area, causing diseases. Malaria, dengue, chikungunya, encephalitis are some of the most common diseases caused by mosquito bites. A simple mosquito bite could act as a carrier to many deadly diseases in humans.

India acts as a favourable breeding ground to many common mosquito species like Anopheles and the Aedes varieties. India is also a prominent hotspot for yellow fever, malaria and dengue cases. As soon as there is a downpour of rain in the country, evidence of mosquito diseases can be seen on the rise. To combat this mosquito menace, it becomes crucial to take up measures to increase awareness and reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

World Mosquito Day 2020 Themes

The theme for the year 2020 is on the topic ‘Malaria’. The day is celebrated to appreciate the efforts taken by healthcare officials, NGOs and government agencies in helping people fight against various incurable diseases caused by Malaria.

If you’re still wondering why World Mosquito day is being celebrated the world over despite their deadly characteristics, stop there! The day is hosted as a celebration for gathering people, educating them, creating awareness and spreading the word about preventing mosquito causing diseases.

Many charitable trusts and organisations help in distributing mosquito nets, coils and quinines to people, especially those families with younger and aged citizens.

Assisting the people to take precautions regarding the spread of Malaria and other deadly diseases caused by mosquitoes is also a primary activity for the day.

The celebration could also be to appreciate and applaud the efforts of the scientific communities and scientists in their research efforts. The R&D sectors that are continuously striving to bring in new forms of discoveries day in and day out need to be appreciated to keep the good work going. Hence a day dedicated to them, their research breakthrough shall be immensely advantageous!

World Mosquito Day Celebrations

Many far off countries in the farther corners of the world like Botswana, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria see a spike in malaria cases by the day. So, the actual work should happen there.

People residing there may instead be uneducated about various effects of mosquito breeding and diseases caused by them. So, holding awareness campaigns, fundraising activities to uplift these regions may be helpful to many communities.

Fundraising again need not be those boring tents with people waiting for other people to come by and drop in their contributions.

There could be campaign centric activities like fun runs; awareness spread through money-raising events etc. Online fundraising is a significant hit world over.

Facts about mosquitoes, Malaria, deadly diseases can be discussed with many online communities, and it’s instead a great and innovative way to gather lots of people forums. People can discuss statistics, dangers, protective measures, sufferings, etc.

Another exciting aspect of this celebration could be an exchange of stories for inspiration. People who have suffered in the past but have taken the courage to overcome the situation and emerged victorious in their fights can be brought to forums for telling their stories.

Discuss reports on WHO for more information. So, come forward, spread the message and help prevent mosquito diseases, especially Malaria.

Conclusion

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that kills almost 4, 35,000 people worldwide every year. Every year there comes a hefty many-fold increase in the number of cases. More than 219 million new cases appear every year, making the numbers scary and worrisome.

Almost a hundred countries see major infliction’s of Malaria around the world. The majority of this burden is taken over by 11 world states that see most of the cases. Malaria is popularly recognised in tropical regions of the world.

The countries that come in this tropical belt suffer from significant diseases caused by mosquitoes. It may be due to the heat, sustainable conditions that act as a breeding ground for mosquitoes or the typical nature of the place; they serve as thriving spots for Malaria.

Let us beat the stress of Malaria with mosquito nets, repellents and knowledge to overcome mosquito menace.