World Malaria Day is commemorated every year on 25 April to raise awareness and highlight the global efforts against malaria.
by Dr Taneshka Kruger, Project Manager: University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC) and Prof Tiaan de Jager, Director: UP ISMC
Eliminating malaria requires effort that goes far beyond our laboratories. It also happens in homes, villages and clinics, where gogos (grandmothers), mothers, young women and other citizen scientists play a vital role in prevention, early action and creating public awareness.
On 25 April, we commemorate World Malaria Day. This day is aimed at raising awareness about one of the world’s oldest and deadliest diseases, while also recognising the progress we’ve made in controlling and eliminating it. This year’s theme, ‘Driven to end malaria: Now we can. Now we must.”, is a reminder that success depends not only on medicine and science, but also on the people who protect families and strengthen communities every day.
Malaria remains a life-threatening disease transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with the Plasmodium parasite. Globally, hundreds of millions of cases are reported each year, with the overwhelming burden falling on sub-Saharan Africa. The most vulnerable groups include pregnant women, children under five and older persons.
Why women and children face greater malaria risks
Pregnancy reduces a woman’s immunity to malaria, increasing the risk of infection and severe illness. Malaria during pregnancy can lead to maternal anaemia and serious complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth and low birth weight. Low birth weight is one of the leading contributors to neonatal mortality and can affect a child’s long-term development.
Children under five continue to carry the heaviest malaria burden. In Africa, they account for roughly three-quarters of malaria-related deaths. Their immune systems are still developing, making prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment essential for survival.
The family members who spot danger first
In many rural communities, mothers – and especially grandmothers – are the backbone of family life. They shape household health practices, encourage clinic visits, and ensure children use preventative measures against malaria, such as sleeping under protective nets, where possible. Their lived experience gives them influence and trust, and when equipped with up-to-date malaria information they become powerful advocates for prevention. They are often the first to notice symptoms such as fever, fatigue or vomiting, and frequently help decide when and how medical care is sought.
Women also care for elderly family members, who may have weaker immune systems and be more vulnerable to complications from malaria. In areas where clinics are far away or transport is limited, their vigilance can be lifesaving.
Young women – whether students, entrepreneurs, community workers or volunteers – also play an increasingly important role in sharing reliable malaria information. They help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday community life, promoting practical actions such as:
- Seeking early testing when symptoms such as fever appear
- Reducing mosquito breeding sites through environmental management
- Using preventative strategies to avoid mosquito bites
- Consistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets where available
- Attending antenatal clinics for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), in countries where these programmes are offered.
Through each of these actions and more, women’s leadership strengthens community resilience and promotes healthier futures.
Young women spreading life-saving knowledge
One of the most encouraging developments in rural malaria response is the rise of women citizen scientists. Through training programmes supported by research institutions, women from local communities are gaining skills to assist with field data collection and malaria surveillance.
In malaria research conducted by the University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control in Limpopo’s Vhembe District, women citizen scientists have contributed by:
- Engaging tribal authorities and communities about the purpose of the research and how communities can benefit
- Collecting health data to assess the impact of malaria control methods on people and the environment
- Collecting mosquito samples for vector surveillance and climate-related research
- Gathering knowledge, attitude and practice data through surveys
- Conducting interviews before and after interventions to assess effectiveness
- Running focus groups to better understand community needs, behaviours and challenges.
By participating in field research, these women gain scientific skills while contributing directly to malaria control strategies. Their involvement helps ensure that research is done in local languages, reflects lived realities and leads to practical action communities can trust and use.
Just as importantly, this model expands women’s roles beyond traditional caregiving expectations. It positions them as knowledge holders, data contributors and active partners in scientific discovery. It also shows young girls in these communities that science is accessible, relevant and open to them.
From community member to citizen scientist
When mothers, gogos and young women understand the risks malaria poses – especially to pregnant women and children under five – they are better equipped to protect their families. When they are empowered as citizen scientists, they move from being passive recipients of health messaging to active drivers of change, contributing to local malaria elimination efforts. Their combined role as caregivers, educators and research partners strengthens both households and health systems.
On this World Malaria Day, we should recognise and honour the women who care for feverish children through the night, accompany pregnant daughters to clinics, share trusted advice with neighbours, and step into fields and villages as trained citizen scientists. By investing in women’s knowledge, leadership and participation at home, in communities and in science, we move closer to a future free from this preventable disease.
