World Mosquito Day: 2025- 20 August

Why in News ?

• World Mosquito Day is celebrated every year on 20 August. Its objective is to spread awareness about diseases spread by mosquitoes and to encourage measures to prevent and control them.

Historical Perspective

• On August 20, 1897, the famous British physician and scientist Sir Ronald Ross proved that the female Anopheles mosquito is the carrier of malaria.
• This discovery changed the direction of medical science and laid the foundation for malaria control.
• For this important contribution, Ronald Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize (Medicine/Physiology) in the year 1902.
• World Mosquito Day is celebrated every year on 20 August in memory of his historic discovery.

Objective

• To make the general public aware about mosquito-borne diseases.
• To encourage scientific research and medical efforts for disease control.
• Popularization of mosquito prevention and elimination measures.
• Ensuring cooperation towards malaria elimination at global level.

Major mosquito-borne diseases

India and mosquito-borne disease control

• India has long been affected by diseases like malaria, dengue, filariasis and chikungunya.
• National Vector Borne Disease Control Program (NVBDCP) is run by the Government of India for its control.
• The Government of India has set a target of becoming a malaria-free nation by 2030 under the National Malaria Elimination Framework 2016-2030.

Measures for prevention and control

• Do not allow water to collect in and around the house.
• Use of mosquito nets, repellents and meshed windows.
• Regular cleaning and water change of water sources (coolers, tanks, pots).
• Cleanliness campaign and insecticide spraying at the community level.
• Public awareness and health education.