Egypt achieves malaria-free status in a landmark victory for public health, WHO confirms

EGYPT – In a significant milestone for public health, Egypt has officially been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), becoming the fifth African nation to achieve this status.

Following Cabo Verde, which achieved malaria-free certification earlier this year, Egypt’s accomplishment is a testament to nearly a century of dedicated efforts by its government and citizens to eradicate the disease.

To be certified malaria-free by the WHO, countries must meet stringent criteria. They must report zero indigenous malaria cases for at least three consecutive years and demonstrate the capacity to prevent reintroduction of the disease.

A long journey to malaria elimination

The WHO’s declaration marks the culmination of extensive measures implemented over decades.

Historically, malaria has plagued Egyptian civilization, with evidence of the disease dating back to 4000 BCE, cites WHO in a press statement.

Efforts to combat malaria intensified in the 1920s, when Egypt launched initiatives to reduce human-mosquito contact, including restricting rice cultivation near residential areas.

By 1930, malaria was classified as a notifiable disease, and a control station was established shortly thereafter.

During World War II, malaria cases surged due to population displacement and the invasion of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly efficient mosquito vector.

However, the government responded effectively by creating treatment centers and recruiting thousands of health workers.

The subsequent decades saw the introduction of environmental management and vector control measures, including the use of DDT.

A comprehensive surveillance system

By 2001, Egypt had significantly controlled malaria, and the Ministry of Health launched rigorous efforts to eliminate the remaining cases.

Following a brief outbreak in 2014, which was swiftly contained, no malaria cases were reported for two years, indicating the success of the control measures.

The WHO confirmed in June 2024 that there were no locally transmitted malaria cases in Egypt, with identified cases being imported from endemic countries.

This achievement was made possible by Egypt’s robust surveillance system, which enabled early detection and prompt response to potential cases.

Lessons for other African nations

Egypt’s success in malaria elimination serves as an inspiration for other African countries, particularly Nigeria, which bears the highest malaria burden globally.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, remarked on Egypt’s historic achievement, stating, “This certification is truly historic and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge.”

Despite Egypt’s success, the fight against malaria remains challenging for many countries across Africa.

In 2022, the WHO reported 249 million malaria cases and 619,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide. The African region bears the brunt of this burden, accounting for 94% of all cases and 96% of deaths.

E-2025 Initiative: Aiming for More Malaria-Free Countries

The WHO’s E-2025 initiative is accelerating the push toward malaria elimination, with 25 countries aiming to eliminate malaria by 2025.

In 2023, Belize achieved malaria-free status, while Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Saudi Arabia are approaching certification after reporting zero local transmission for multiple consecutive years.

Countries like Bhutan and Suriname have also made significant progress, reporting zero indigenous cases in 2022.

In Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa reported substantial reductions in malaria transmission in 2022.

However, other countries, like the Comoros and São Tomé and Principe, experienced increases in cases, emphasizing the unpredictability of malaria control efforts due to factors like climate change and cross-border movements.

Challenges to overcome

Experts highlight several barriers to malaria eradication, including research limitations, community engagement, financial constraints, and biological challenges such as drug resistance.

In four African nations—Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia—partial resistance to effective antimalarial treatments has been reported.

Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts by impacting the behavior of mosquito vectors.

Experts advocate for a “One Health” approach that integrates environmental considerations into malaria eradication strategies.

The road ahead

While the recent advances in malaria vaccination offer promise, they are not a panacea. The results of current vaccines like R21 and RTS remain limited, underscoring the need for continued investment in research and development.

As countries like Egypt demonstrate what is possible with the right resources and commitment, there is renewed hope for a malaria-free future across Africa.

With ongoing support and collaboration, the dream of eradicating malaria could become a reality for more nations on the continent.

Cabo Verde’s and Egypt’s achievements serve as a rallying cry for the global community to intensify efforts against malaria.

Experts emphasize that achieving malaria elimination is not only a public health priority but also essential for economic development, particularly in regions where tourism plays a vital role.

The journey to a malaria-free world continues, but with the right strategies and dedication, progress is achievable.