Egypt received certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) as malaria-free, marking a monumental milestone in public health.

On October 20, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the achievement as “truly historic,” emphasizing the extensive efforts spanning nearly a century to eradicate the disease.

Malaria, which has been a part of Egyptian history since ancient times, has now been eliminated from the country. “The disease that once troubled pharaohs is now part of the past,” stated Ghebreyesus.

This certification recognizes Egypt as the 45th country globally to interrupt indigenous malaria transmission for three consecutive years and demonstrates its capability to prevent any future outbreaks.

WHO reports that malaria continues to claim over 600,000 lives annually, primarily in Africa, with millions of cases reported worldwide.

Egypt’s Health Minister, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, noted that this certification marks the start of a new phase, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment to maintain this significant public health achievement.

The WHO’s early initiatives in Egypt began in the 1920s, focusing on reducing human-mosquito contact.

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Despite challenges, including a spike in cases during World War II and new risks from the Aswan Dam, Egypt managed to bring malaria under control by 2001.

This recent certification signifies the culmination of persistent efforts to eradicate the disease, ensuring a healthier future for the nation.