By: Shofu Babalola
In a historic achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant milestone for the country of over 100 million people. This certification reflects nearly a century of concerted efforts by the Egyptian government and its citizens to eradicate malaria, a disease that has plagued the region since ancient times.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, celebrated the accomplishment, stating, “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to history. This certification is a testament to Egypt's commitment to public health and an inspiration for other countries.”
Egypt is the third nation in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to receive this certification, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have achieved malaria-free status.
Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that this milestone is just the beginning, urging continued vigilance to maintain Egypt's malaria-free status. He reiterated the importance of effective surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment to prevent any resurgence of the disease.
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Egypt’s journey to this achievement dates back to the 1920s when the government initiated measures to limit human-mosquito contact. Significant milestones included the establishment of the first malaria control station in 1930 and ongoing community engagement efforts. Despite challenges, including malaria spikes during World War II and the construction of the Aswan Dam, Egypt successfully managed and ultimately eliminated local transmission.
With free malaria diagnosis and treatment provided to all residents, Egypt's strong public health infrastructure and cross-border collaborations have been key to sustaining its malaria-free status. The WHO urges continued efforts and resources to protect this hard-won achievement.
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