World Malaria Day 2025 | India, Get Ready: Protect Yourself Before Monsoon With These Tips.
- drdeepakchaturvedi
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
As the monsoon season approaches, India faces a heightened risk of malaria due to the surge in mosquito breeding caused by stagnant water and increased humidity. Malaria, a life-threatening disease transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a serious public health challenge, especially during and after the rainy season. On World Malaria Day, 25th April 2025, every Indian must prepare and protect themselves with effective prevention measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Why Malaria Risk Increases During Monsoon
Monsoon rains create numerous breeding sites for mosquitoes, from waterlogged streets and clogged drains to open containers and construction sites. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) reports that malaria cases typically spike during and shortly after the monsoon due to these favorable conditions for mosquito proliferation
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India accounts for a significant share of global malaria cases, with millions affected annually, making prevention a national priority. The rainy season also brings other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, underscoring the need for comprehensive mosquito control and personal protection
Who Is Most at Risk from Malaria During Monsoon?
While malaria can affect anyone, certain groups are especially vulnerable and require extra protection during the monsoon season:
Newborns, Infants, and Toddlers: Young children have immature immune systems, making them less able to fight off malaria infections. Malaria in infants can rapidly become severe and life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Pregnant Women: Pregnancy lowers immunity, increasing susceptibility to malaria and the risk of complications such as anemia, miscarriage, or low birth weight.
People with Weakened Immunity or Chronic Illnesses: Individuals already battling conditions like malnutrition, immunosuppressed, or other chronic diseases are more prone to severe malaria and complications.
Tribal and Rural Communities: Many tribal populations live in remote, forested, or hilly areas with poor housing and limited access to healthcare. These socio-economic factors increase their vulnerability to malaria.
Elderly: Age-related decline in immunity also puts older adults at higher risk.
Do’s and Don’ts: How to Prepare and Prevent Malaria This Season
Do's: Practical Steps to Stay Protected Before and During Monsoon
Use mosquito repellents daily: Apply repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin, especially during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active.
Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets: Prepare your home by ensuring you have enough treated nets, especially for children and elderly family members.
Wear protective clothing: When outdoors, wear long sleeves, full-length pants, and socks to minimize exposed skin.
Eliminate stagnant water now: Start cleaning and emptying containers, flower pots, buckets, and drains around your home to prevent mosquito breeding once the rains begin.
Keep your home mosquito-proof: Repair window and door screens and use indoor insecticides or mosquito coils as needed.
Stay informed and seek early treatment: Learn the symptoms of malaria, such as high fever, chills, headaches, and body aches, and consult a doctor immediately if you or a family member falls ill.
Don’ts: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t wait for the rains to start cleaning: Mosquitoes can breed in any stagnant water, so begin preventive measures now.
Don’t ignore symptoms or self-medicate: Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent severe illness.
Don’t assume malaria risk is only in rural areas: Urban and semi-urban regions can also experience malaria outbreaks during the monsoon.
Don’t rely on just one prevention method: Combining personal protection, environmental management, and community action is the most effective approach.
Additional Tips for a Healthy Monsoon
Boost your immunity by eating nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Maintain personal hygiene and drink safe, purified water to prevent other monsoon-related infections.
Avoid street food from unhygienic sources during the rainy season.
Why This Matters for India
India’s diverse climate and large population create varied malaria risk zones, with tribal and rural areas often hardest hit. The government’s ongoing efforts, including surveillance, vector control, and awareness campaigns, have reduced malaria cases significantly, but the monsoon season remains a critical period for vigilance.
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On World Malaria Day 2025, the theme “Malaria Ends With Us” calls for individual and collective action. By following these simple yet effective prevention strategies, every Indian can contribute to reducing malaria transmission and protecting their community.
Take Action Now: Prepare your home and family before the monsoon arrives. Use repellents, clear stagnant water, sleep under nets, and seek early treatment if needed. Together, we can make malaria a thing of the past.
Stay safe this monsoon season — because malaria ends with you.
Wishing you the best of health.
Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity, and Hormones Consultant
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