2019-08-20 Tue

Every year 20th August is observed as World Mosquito Day. The day marks the groundbreaking discovery of British doctor, Sir Ronald Ross. On the 20 August of 1897, in Secunderabad, Sir Ronal Ross discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

In 1902 for his work on the transmission of malaria, he received Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. Through this, he becomes the first British Nobel laureate and the first European born outside Europe (India).

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine holds Mosquito Day celebrations every year, including events such as parties and exhibitions. The day intends to raise awareness regarding what all causes malaria and ways to prevent it.

World Mosquito Day is a mission for a malaria-free world, where no child dies from a mosquito bite. Together, we can be the generation that ends malaria for good. In 1997 India Postal Department has issued 200 Paise commemorative postage stamp to pay homage to Sir Ronald Ross, whose memory is cherished by mankind around the world.

The above coin is a 6000 CFA Francs issued in the year 2005. This bimetallic coin is made up of 6000 Brass outer ring and Copper Nickel inside ring. The obverse depicts a Mosquito picture in the center which has the inscription "Stop Malaria" and the denomination 6000 CFA along with the year of Issue 2005. The reverse depicts an Elephant face on West African Map in center. Image Courtesy: chiefacoins.com