Egypt has achieved a major milestone in public health by being certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This accomplishment, described as “truly historic” by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, marks the end of a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times. The certification process requires a country to prove that the transmission chain has been interrupted for at least three consecutive years, demonstrating their ability to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.
Egypt becomes the third country in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, to receive this certification. Globally, only 44 countries and one territory have reached this milestone. However, the WHO emphasizes that this is just the beginning of a new phase, urging Egypt to remain vigilant in order to maintain its malaria-free status.
Efforts to combat malaria in Egypt began nearly 100 years ago, with strategies to limit human-mosquito contact. While vaccines are being used in some areas, monitoring the disease and avoiding mosquito bites remain the most effective prevention methods. This achievement in Egypt is a testament to the country’s dedication to public health and serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance in the fight against malaria.
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