Egypt has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) – an achievement hailed by the UN health agency as « truly historic » as it follows nearly 100 years of efforts. Experts say the North African country’s success in eliminating malaria is a testament to the commitment and unity of the Egyptian people, as well as the government’s sustained investment in robust surveillance and a strong, integrated health system.
Egypt has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a major public health milestone for a country of more than 100 million people. The achievement follows nearly 100 years of efforts by the Egyptian government and people to end a disease that has been present in the country since 4000 BC, according to a statement released by the global health body on October 20, 2024.
Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase. We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management and sustaining our effective and rapid response to imported cases. Our continued multisectoral efforts will be critical to preserving Egypt’s malaria-free status.
Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister
Early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact in Egypt began in the 1920s, when the country prohibited the cultivation of rice and other crops near homes. Experts say the North African country’s success in eliminating malaria is a testament to the dedication and unity of the Egyptian people, as well as the government’s sustained investment in robust surveillance and a strong, integrated health system. It is also a sign of hope for endemic countries on the continent.
It is worth noting that Egypt has invested heavily in public health and has also trained doctors, sent medical students to study abroad and has also invested huge amounts of money for the development and promotion of health infrastructure, especially public health systems.
Med Hedi Abdellaoui, Journalist
Certification is awarded by WHO when a country has demonstrated that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years. Egypt is the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to be certified malaria-free, after the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Worldwide, 44 countries and 1 territory have reached this milestone. According to Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, collaboration and support for endemic countries such as Sudan remains a priority.