WHO Certifies Egypt as Malaria-Free Nation After Centuries of Disease

Date:

Share post:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Egypt malaria-free, a significant milestone in the country’s public health history. On Sunday, the WHO announced that Egypt had eliminated malaria, a disease that had plagued the nation since ancient times. This certification comes after Egypt successfully interrupted the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes for more than three consecutive years.

The achievement places Egypt among a select group of nations globally that have managed to eradicate the disease. According to WHO, Egypt becomes the third country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to be certified malaria-free, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have reached this milestone.

In a statement, the WHO praised the combined efforts of the Egyptian government and its citizens, acknowledging the persistent fight to eradicate a disease that had deep historical roots in the region. “The Egyptian government and people have succeeded in ending a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times,” the statement read.

However, the WHO emphasized that while this is a major victory, it is not the end of Egypt’s battle against malaria. The organization urged Egypt to remain vigilant in order to preserve its malaria-free status, as it is critical to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.WHO Certifies Egypt as Malaria-Free Nation After Centuries of Disease

Also, read; Two Senior Opposition Figures Killed in Mozambique Ahead of Disputed Election Results

To achieve certification, Egypt had to demonstrate its capacity to keep malaria at bay, ensuring that any cases of the disease are quickly detected and contained to prevent a resurgence. WHO pointed to Egypt’s early and innovative efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact, noting that policies banning rice cultivation and agricultural crops near homes in the 1920s played a crucial role in reducing transmission.

Malaria, caused by a complex parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, remains a major global health challenge in many parts of the world. While vaccines are now being used in certain regions, the most effective strategies to combat malaria continue to be vigilant disease monitoring and preventive measures such as avoiding mosquito bites.

Egypt’s successful elimination of malaria marks a significant triumph in public health and sets a precedent for other countries still grappling with the disease. The certification is seen as a step forward for both Egypt and the global community in the ongoing effort to eradicate malaria worldwide.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Related articles

John Dumelo Nominated as Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture

Accra, Ghana – Ghanaian actor-turned-politician, John Kofi Setor Dumelo, has been nominated as the Deputy Minister for Food...

UN Report: Over 100 Women Raped and Burned Alive in DR Congo Jailbreak

A harrowing UN report has revealed that more than 100 female prisoners were subjected to sexual violence and...

African Social Entrepreneurs Proudly Leading Africa’s Transformation

There has been a rise in social entrepreneurship in Africa; so we took a closer look. No doubt...

Discover Most Influential African Women

Africa has many influential women who have greatly aided in putting Africa on the globe in leadership, business,...