In May 2007, the 60th World Health Assembly voted to transform "Africa Malaria Day," which African governments had observed since 2001, into "World Malaria Day," held every April 25 in recognition that the disease poses a global threat extending well beyond the African continent. The day was first observed in its global form in 2008. Malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes and remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives each year, most of them children under five in sub-Saharan Africa. The day highlights progress made in fighting the disease through insecticide-treated bed nets, preventive medication, and newer vaccines, while reminding the world that fully eliminating malaria still requires sustained investment. WHO and its partners worldwide organize bed-net distribution campaigns, free testing, and awareness activities in schools and affected communities, alongside annual reports reviewing achievements and remaining challenges.