By Bunmi Yekini
The final decision on awarding a malaria-free certification rests with the WHO Director-General, based on a recommendation by the independent Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, concluding nearly a century-long battle against the ancient disease. This victory represents a significant public health milestone for the country, home to over 100 million people, and a triumph for the global fight against malaria.
“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a celebratory announcement. “This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge.”
Egypt joins the ranks of the United Arab Emirates and Morocco as the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve malaria-free status, and the first since 2010. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have now reached this critical milestone, underscoring the nation’s determination and relentless effort.
A Journey Rooted in History
Malaria has haunted Egypt for millennia, with traces of the disease dating as far back as 4000 B.C.E., including genetic evidence found in the remains of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. However, Egypt’s concerted effort to control and eliminate malaria took shape in the 1920s, when the government initiated early measures to reduce mosquito breeding. Malaria was declared a notifiable disease in 1930, and by the early 1940s, the country had ramped up its efforts with the establishment of 16 treatment centers and the deployment of over 4,000 health workers to manage rising cases.
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The challenges did not end there. The construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s created new breeding grounds for mosquitoes, prompting Egypt to collaborate with Sudan in vector control and surveillance projects. By the turn of the millennium, the disease was under control, and Egypt set its sights on preventing future outbreaks.
“Today, Egypt has proven that with vision, dedication, and unity, we can overcome the greatest challenges,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “This success in eliminating malaria is not just a victory for public health but a sign of hope for the entire world, especially for other endemic countries in our region.”
A Vigilant Future Ahead
While celebrating its certification, Egyptian authorities emphasize that the work is far from over. H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt, underscored the need for continued vigilance, noting that maintaining the highest standards of surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment will be crucial in preserving the country’s malaria-free status.
“Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase,” said Dr. Abdel Ghaffar. “We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through integrated vector management and effective response to imported cases.”
Egypt’s success story serves as an inspiration for countries still battling malaria, showcasing the power of sustained investment in public health infrastructure, cross-border collaboration, and community engagement.
As Dr. Ghebreyesus put it, “Egypt’s achievement is a beacon of hope for the region and the world. With the right tools, resources, and commitment, malaria can indeed be consigned to the history books.”