On October 20th, the World Health Organization announced that Egypt has been officially certified as malaria-free, becoming the third country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to receive this recognition, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
The WHO stated that the history of malaria in Egypt dates back to 4000 B.C. and that the country has made concerted efforts to eliminate the disease over the past century. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the historical significance of this achievement, noting that it reflects the commitment of both the Egyptian people and government to eradicate this “ancient scourge.” He remarked, “A disease that once plagued the pharaohs is now a thing of the past, not a concern for the future.”
Tedros congratulated Egypt on this significant milestone, also highlighting its role as an inspiration for other countries in the region.
According to the United Nations, the malaria elimination certification is a formal acknowledgment by the WHO of a country’s malaria-free status. To qualify, a country must provide robust and credible evidence demonstrating that, for at least the past three consecutive years, local transmission of malaria, caused by Anopheles mosquitoes, has been interrupted nationwide, and that it has the capability to prevent any future transmission.
As of now, a total of 45 countries and regions around the globe have received this certification.
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar remarked that achieving this certification marks the beginning of a new phase. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and commitment to maintaining this accomplishment through rigorous monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as effective management of malaria transmission vectors and a rapid response to any imported cases.
Malaria is an acute parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium parasites, primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It can also spread through blood transfusions and contaminated needles. Certain types of malaria can lead to severe illness and death.
