Egypt don become the latest country wey World Health Organization (WHO) certify as malaria-free. Dis historic achievement happen on Sunday, October 20, 2024, after nearly a century of hard work and efforts to eliminate the disease.
WHO say Egypt meet all the criteria for malaria-free certification, including proving that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years. The country also show capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.
Egypt join United Arab Emirates and Morocco as the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve dis status. Globally, Egypt is the 44th country and the first territory to be certified malaria-free by WHO.
The journey to become malaria-free no be easy. Egypt start serious efforts to control malaria since the 1950s and 1960s, using methods like vector surveillance, larval control, and environmental management. The introduction of DDT and other insecticides also play a key role. After the construction of the Aswan Dam in 1969, Egypt face new challenges but manage to mitigate them through rigorous vector control and public health surveillance.
In recent years, Egypt make significant progress in expanding access to health services. Now, 95% of Egyptians live within 5 kilometers of a primary health care facility, and malaria diagnosis and treatment are provided free of charge to everyone, including undocumented migrants from Sudan.
To prevent the re-establishment of malaria transmission, Egypt invest in robust surveillance and response systems, including cross-border partnerships with neighboring countries like Sudan. This partnership help in managing malaria and other vector-borne diseases effectively.
