The World United Against Malaria 7.4.1962

India was one of the many countries that issued stamps for Malaria Eradication. This 15nP stamp on the FDC highlighted the importance of the programme in India.

The WHO took up the malaria eradication programme in 1955. In 1953, Brazilian malariologist Marcolino Candau, who campaigned on the promise of malaria eradication won the elections to the post of the director general of WHO defeating the psychiatrist Brock Chisholm.

The Global Malaria Eradication Programme was launched in 1955 emphasising on vector control with DDT residual spraying and surveillance in all national programmes. The goal was to reduce infected vector populations feeding on humans sufficiently to interrupt parasite transmission. The programme imposed an uniform strategy for all countries and areas, ignoring the diversity of malaria and economy of nations, particularly the new governments then emerging from colonial rule.

In 1962 a world wide campaign was held to acquire funds for the eradication programme. Many postal administrations issued postage stamps on or around 7 April. A certain number of stamps (up to 100.000) were donated to the WHO. These stamps were sold to collectors and the proceeds were used for malaria eradication. In addition to the stamps many postmarks were used to increase public awareness.