Egypt is Malaria-Free, WHO Declares

In a landmark public health achievement, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking the elimination of a disease that has plagued the country since ancient times. This historic milestone follows nearly 100 years of concerted efforts by the Egyptian government and people to eradicate malaria, a mosquito-borne disease that once affected vast parts of the population.

Egypt’s Certification as Malaria-Free by WHO

The WHO grants malaria-free certification to countries that have successfully interrupted the transmission of the disease for at least three consecutive years. Egypt becomes the third country in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this status, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. Globally, Egypt joins a select group of 44 countries and one territory that have reached this milestone.

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“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilisation itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “This certification is truly historic and a testament to Egypt’s commitment to improving public health.”

A Long Battle Against Malaria in Egypt

Malaria has been a part of Egypt’s history for millennia, with evidence of the disease found in ancient Egyptian mummies, including King Tutankhamun. Egypt’s first significant efforts to tackle malaria began in the 1920s when the government banned rice cultivation and other crops near homes to reduce human-mosquito contact.

During the Second World War, Egypt experienced a surge in malaria cases, with over 3 million infections recorded in 1942. The country responded by establishing 16 treatment centers and employing thousands of health workers to control the outbreak.

In more recent years, Egypt has continued to build on these efforts. The construction of the Aswan Dam in 1969 posed new challenges as it created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. However, Egypt worked closely with neighbouring Sudan to launch a robust vector control and surveillance system to combat the disease.

By 2001, malaria was largely under control, and in 2014, Egypt swiftly contained a small outbreak in the Aswan Governorate through early case detection, prompt treatment, and public education. These efforts have been integral to maintaining Egypt’s malaria-free status and preventing its re-establishment.

WHO Certification: A New Phase for Egypt

While Egypt’s certification as malaria-free is a significant victory, WHO emphasises that the work is not over. The country must remain vigilant to ensure that local transmission does not reoccur. This includes maintaining a strong surveillance system, continuing public health education, and working closely with neighbouring countries like Sudan to prevent imported cases of malaria.

Egypt provides free malaria diagnosis and treatment to all residents and has invested in training health professionals across the country to detect and manage potential cases, especially at border crossings. This integrated approach to health management has been key to the country’s success.

“Today, Egypt has proven that with vision, dedication, and unity, we can overcome even the greatest challenges. This victory over malaria is not only a win for Egypt but also a beacon of hope for other countries battling the disease,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

What’s Next for Egypt?

As Egypt moves forward, the government is committed to maintaining its malaria-free status. Health authorities are focused on strengthening cross-border partnerships, enhancing disease surveillance, and providing ongoing public education to ensure that the gains made are not lost.

“Receiving this malaria elimination certificate is the beginning of a new phase,” said Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister. “We must now work tirelessly to preserve this achievement through vigilant surveillance, integrated vector management, and a rapid response to any potential cases.”

Egypt’s achievement sets an example for other African and malaria-endemic countries, demonstrating that with sustained efforts, even the most long-standing diseases can be defeated.

Conclusion

Egypt’s certification as malaria-free by the WHO marks a monumental achievement in the country’s public health history. This victory over malaria, once a widespread disease in the nation, highlights Egypt’s determination and resilience. As one of the few African countries to have reached this milestone, Egypt’s success serves as an inspiration to other nations working to combat malaria and other preventable diseases.

With a commitment to maintaining its malaria-free status, Egypt embarks on a new chapter in its public health journey, ensuring that the disease remains part of its history and never its future.

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Source: WHO