Egypt awarded malaria-free certification from WHO at Global PHDC 2024

CAIRO – 20 October 2024: Egypt received on Sunday a certification of malaria elimination as an official recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the country’s malaria-free status at the 2024 Global Congress on Population, Health and Human Development hosted by the New Administrative Capital, east of Cairo.

In a video speech during the congress, attended by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, WHO's Director General Tedros Adhanom congratulated Egypt for achieving this, which represents another milestone after the country’s success in eliminating Hepatitis C.

Adhanom described the elimination of malaria as a culmination of a century-long commitment by the Egyptian government and people.

Malaria, a disease caused by a parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, typically manifests with severe symptoms such as high fever and shaking chills in affected individuals.

Egypt has become the third country in the region to receive a malaria-free certification, following the United Arab Emirates in 2007 and Morocco in 2010.

This milestone marks a significant achievement, with a total of 44 countries and 1 territory now recognized as malaria-free by WHO.

DEEP-ROOTED HISTORY

Malaria has a deep-rooted history in Egypt, dating back to 4000 B.C., as evidenced by genetic traces of the disease found in Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian mummies, according to WHO reports.

Egypt initiated early efforts to reduce human-mosquito interactions in the 1920s by banning the cultivation of rice and agricultural crops near residential areas.

The country officially classified malaria as a "notifiable disease" in 1930 and established its first malaria control and research station shortly thereafter, according to WHO.

During World War II, Egypt faced a significant rise in malaria cases among civilians and military personnel due to disruptions in public health services, shortages of malaria treatments and larvicides, population movements, and the proliferation of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly efficient malaria-carrying mosquito species.

By 2001, Egypt had effectively controlled malaria, setting its sights on complete elimination through a focused, time-bound campaign targeting any remaining locally transmitted cases.

In 2014, the country experienced a limited outbreak of indigenous malaria cases in the Aswan Governorate, which was effectively contained, said WHO.

Malaria control efforts have been effectively integrated with the management of other vector-borne diseases.

The establishment of a High Committee for Integrated Vector Management in 2016 exemplifies the country's commitment to a comprehensive approach in combatting such diseases.

This initiative, supported by coordinated efforts and funding across ministries, underscores Egypt's dedication to eradicating malaria transmission and ensuring public health security.

PRESERVING MILESTONE

To sustain a vigilant surveillance and response mechanism, Egypt has invested in maintaining robust capacities for malaria diagnosis, treatment, entomological surveillance, and vector control, said WHO.

Additionally, the country's enduring collaborative partnerships with neighboring nations like Sudan have played a pivotal role in preventing the resurgence of local malaria transmission, a significant achievement that led to Egypt's official certification as malaria-free.

Furthermore, Egypt's inclusive healthcare policy extends free access to essential services for migrants, irrespective of their legal status.