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On October 20, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Egypt is officially malaria-free. Mrs. Hanane Hassan Balkhi, WHO Regional Director for the Middle East, presented this certification to Dr. Khaled Abdel Gahfar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health. This historic certification marks the end of an almost century-long battle against this ancient disease.
Certification of malaria elimination is granted by the WHO when a country has demonstrated that indigenous transmission of malaria has been interrupted for at least three consecutive years. The country must also demonstrate its ability to prevent the resumption of transmission.
Since the 1920s, Egypt has implemented measures to reduce human-mosquito contact, notably by banning rice cultivation near dwellings.In 1930, malaria was declared a notifiable disease, and the first malaria control center was opened. These efforts were reinforced after the Second World War with surveillance, larvae control and environmental management campaigns.
Egypt’s certification as a malaria-free country testifies to the commitment of the Egyptian people and government to rid themselves of this age-old scourge. It also serves as an inspiration to other African countries fighting the disease.
Source : WHO
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