The World Health Organization (WHO) certified Egypt as malaria-free On Sunday, marking the culmination of nearly a century of efforts to eradicate the disease.
The WHO described the achievement as truly historic, recognizing Egypt’s long-standing battle against malaria.
“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.
“This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge,” the statement continued.
Egypt joins the list of 44 countries and one territory globally that have been declared malaria-free by the WHO.
To receive this certification, a country must prove that indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years.
Additionally, it must demonstrate the capability to prevent the re-establishment of malaria transmission.
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, claiming over 600,000 lives annually, with 95 percent of deaths occurring in Africa, according to WHO statistics.
Egypt’s success stands as a milestone in the ongoing global fight against the deadly disease.
AFP
