By Bunmi Yekini
After nearly a hundred years of relentless effort, Georgia has been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), becoming the 46th country and 1 territory to achieve this significant milestone.
“Today, we congratulate the people of Georgia for their decades of targeted and sustained actions to eliminate malaria, one of the world’s leading killers,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Georgia’s commitment and success give us hope that a malaria-free world is possible.”
The WHO certification of malaria elimination is awarded only when a country proves, beyond reasonable doubt, that indigenous malaria transmission has been interrupted for at least three consecutive years. For Georgia, this achievement signifies not just an end to malaria within its borders but also recognition of a robust healthcare system that has overcome decades of setbacks.
From Epidemic to Elimination
Malaria has plagued Georgia since ancient times, with endemic malaria species like P. vivax, P. falciparum, and P. malariae causing widespread suffering. In the 1920s, an estimated 30% of the population contracted malaria annually. Aggressive mosquito control and health programs reduced cases by the mid-20th century, but challenges persisted, including a resurgence after World War II.
By 1970, transmission of all three malaria species had been interrupted. However, after remaining malaria-free for 25 years, the disease reemerged in 2002, with 474 cases reported that year. Georgia renewed its commitment to malaria elimination, signing the Tashkent Declaration in 2005, alongside nine other countries in the WHO European Region.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, noted the significance of this achievement in the region.
“With Georgia’s achievement, the WHO European Region is another step closer to becoming the first malaria-free region in the world,” he said. “This success was made possible thanks to sustained investment, the dedication of the health workforce, and targeted efforts in prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of malaria cases.”
Sustained Efforts Pay Off
Georgia’s last indigenous malaria case was recorded in 2009. By 2015, all 53 countries in the WHO European Region reported zero indigenous malaria cases. Georgia’s success was further bolstered by its signing of the Ashgabat Statement in 2017, reaffirming its commitment to remaining malaria-free.
Mikheil Sarjveladze, Georgia’s Minister of Health, highlighted the broader implications of the certification.
“This success means that Georgia can address important health challenges. Certifying our malaria-free status underscores the sustainability and resilience of our healthcare system,” he said.
The achievement reflects decades of effort, including public-private collaboration, innovative health interventions, and strong political will. The WHO’s certification process involved extensive evaluations by its Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification, which praised Georgia’s well-resourced health system and commitment to disease prevention.
A Path Forward
As the WHO European Region inches closer to becoming the first malaria-free region in the world, Georgia’s victory serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other nations battling malaria. With Türkiye as the sole remaining country in the region yet to receive certification, global health leaders are optimistic that a malaria-free future is within reach.
“Georgia’s achievement is a testament to the power of sustained commitment and global cooperation,” said Dr. Ghebreyesus. “It shows that, with the right investments and strategies, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome.”