The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Egypt malaria-free, marking a monumental achievement after nearly a century of determined efforts to eradicate the disease.
Egypt is now the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, alongside the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, to achieve malaria-free status since 2010. This accomplishment brings the total number of malaria-free countries to 44.
In his congratulatory statement, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized the significance of the achievement:
“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future.”
The certification follows a rigorous process. The WHO grants malaria elimination status to countries that have successfully interrupted indigenous malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years.
Additionally, countries must demonstrate a strong capacity to prevent the re-emergence of the disease.
The final decision is made by the WHO Director-General, based on recommendations from an independent advisory group.
Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, Khaled Ghaffar, expressed the country’s commitment to ongoing health improvements:
“We will continue with determination and strong will to safeguard the health of all people in Egypt under the wise leadership’s guidance. Enhancing our healthcare system remains a cornerstone in protecting the lives of all people living in and visiting Egypt.”
The announcement of Egypt’s malaria-free status not only marks a historic milestone for the country but also highlights the progress made in global health efforts, particularly in regions once severely affected by malaria.
As Egypt celebrates this triumph, it sets a new standard for public health and disease eradication in the region.
According to history, Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization, the disease that plagued the pharaohs now belongs to its past.
Egypt however is the ninth African country to achieve this feat trailing behind Algeria, Cabo Verde, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles, Lybia, and Morocco.
Read Also: Egypt’s al-Sisi to Reevaluate IMF Deal Amid Regional Turmoil
