When is World Malaria Day?
World Malaria Day 2027 is on Sunday
Sunday, April 25, 2027
April 25 every year. That's in 203 days.
until World Malaria Day begins, in your time zone
World Malaria Day highlights global efforts to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria, a mosquito-borne disease that is preventable and curable, and calls for continued investment and political commitment to control and eliminate it.
About World Malaria Day
Malaria is caused by parasites that spread to people mainly through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is mostly found in tropical countries, and WHO's African Region carries by far the heaviest burden, with young children among those most at risk. Insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor spraying and preventive medicines help prevent it, prompt diagnosis and treatment cure it, and WHO has recommended two malaria vaccines for children, in 2021 and 2023.
The day grew out of Africa Malaria Day. On April 25, 2000, leaders from 44 African countries met in Abuja, Nigeria, and signed the Abuja Declaration, committing to halve malaria deaths in Africa by 2010. April 25 was then marked each year as Africa Malaria Day.
On May 23, 2007, the 60th World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA60.18, which made April 25 World Malaria Day, a day to teach people that malaria is preventable and curable and to report on the obstacles and progress in controlling it. The resolution also let member states choose other dates, and later in 2007 the Pan American Sanitary Conference set November 6 as Malaria Day in the Americas. WHO picks a theme each year and urges governments and donors to keep up funding.
Sources: World Health Organization: World Malaria Day, World Health Assembly resolution WHA60.18 (2007), CDC MMWR: Africa Malaria Day, April 25, 2007, Pan American Health Organization: Resolution CSP27.R11, Malaria in the Americas (2007), World Health Organization: Malaria fact sheet. How we check dates.
How to mark World Malaria Day
- If you're traveling to a country where malaria occurs, see a doctor or travel clinic several weeks ahead to ask about preventive medicine.
- Use insect repellent, long sleeves and bed nets when staying in areas with malaria.
- After returning from a malaria area, get medical care quickly if you develop a fever, and mention where you traveled.
- Support an organization that provides bed nets, testing or training for community health workers.
- Read WHO's yearly World Malaria Day materials to learn where progress is being made and where it has stalled.
World Malaria Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, April 25, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, April 25, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, April 25, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, April 25, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, April 25, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, April 25, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Malaria Day 2027?
World Malaria Day 2027 is on Sunday, April 25, 2027. It falls on April 25 every year. In 2028, it is on Tuesday, April 25, 2028.
Why is World Malaria Day on April 25?
It continues Africa Malaria Day, held on April 25 since African leaders signed the Abuja Declaration on malaria on that date in 2000. The World Health Assembly made it a global day in 2007.
Is there a malaria vaccine?
Yes. WHO recommended the RTS,S vaccine in 2021 and the R21 vaccine in 2023 for children in areas where malaria is common. Bed nets, preventive medicines and prompt treatment remain essential alongside them.
Is World Malaria Day a public holiday?
No. World Malaria Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.