The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant public health achievement for the nation of over 100 million people. This success comes after nearly a century of efforts by the Egyptian government and citizens to eradicate a disease that has affected the country since ancient times.
-Adverstisement-“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but now it is part of the past,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This certification is truly historic and reflects the commitment of the Egyptian people and government to eliminate this ancient disease. Egypt’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other nations and shows what can be accomplished with the right resources and strategies.”
Egypt is the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to be awarded the malaria-free certification, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have reached this milestone.
-Adverstisement-“Receiving this certification marks the beginning of a new phase. We must now work diligently to maintain our malaria-free status through ongoing surveillance, effective diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management, and quick responses to any imported cases,” said H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister. “We are determined to continue strengthening our healthcare system to safeguard the health of all people in Egypt.”
To achieve WHO certification, a country must prove that indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted for at least three consecutive years and demonstrate the ability to prevent its re-establishment.
Egypt’s Path to Malaria Elimination
Malaria has a long history in Egypt, dating back to 4000 BCE, with evidence of the disease found in the mummies of ancient pharaohs like Tutankhamun. The fight against malaria began in the 1920s when Egypt prohibited the cultivation of rice and other crops near homes to reduce mosquito breeding. By the 1930s, malaria was declared a notifiable disease, and the first malaria control stations were established.
The country faced major challenges in 1942 when malaria cases surged to over 3 million due to World War II, population displacement, and the spread of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly effective mosquito vector. However, Egypt managed to control the outbreak by establishing treatment divisions and recruiting thousands of health workers.
-Adverstisement-The construction of the Aswan Dam in 1969 presented a new risk, as standing water created breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In response, Egypt partnered with Sudan to implement strict vector control measures and public health surveillance.
By 2001, malaria was well under control, and in 2014, Egypt swiftly contained a small outbreak in Aswan Governorate through prompt diagnosis, treatment, and public education.
Malaria diagnosis and treatment are provided free-of-charge to all people in Egypt, regardless of their legal status. Health professionals across the country are trained to detect and screen for malaria cases, including at border crossings. Egypt’s close cooperation with neighboring countries like Sudan has played a crucial role in preventing the resurgence of malaria, leading to its official certification as malaria-free.