**Fatshimetrie: African countries on the front lines of the fight against malaria**
The fight against malaria is a major challenge for many countries around the world, particularly in Africa where the disease remains a serious public health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 249 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide, resulting in 619,000 deaths. Africa alone accounts for 94% of cases and 96% of malaria-related deaths.
To achieve malaria-free status, countries must meet WHO criteria, including reporting zero indigenous cases of malaria for at least three consecutive years and demonstrating the ability to prevent the reintroduction of the disease.
Morocco was the first African country to be certified malaria-free by WHO in 2010. This achievement was made possible by effective health interventions such as mosquito control, surveillance and prompt treatment. The government’s strong commitment to public health has significantly reduced malaria transmission until it was officially eradicated in 2010.
Algeria, a country in North Africa, also achieved malaria-free status in 2019, following Morocco’s success. This achievement is particularly symbolic, as Algeria was the country where the first malaria parasite was discovered in 1880. Algeria was able to achieve this status through investments in health systems, public education, and early detection and treatment of malaria cases.
Seychelles, an African archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has been malaria-free since 2012 due to its geographical isolation and reduced risk of transmission from neighboring countries, making mosquito control more manageable.
Like Seychelles, Mauritius has had similar successes in its fight against malaria. Despite the ravages of the disease in the 1940s, the country’s determination to eradicate it led to aggressive control measures, including mosquito control campaigns and medical interventions. In 1973, Mauritius was declared malaria-free.
More recently, Egypt achieved a historic milestone by being certified malaria-free by WHO. The disease that afflicted the Egyptian pharaohs is now a thing of the past. After Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, Egypt is the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region to receive this certification.
Finally, Cape Verde is the latest African country to be certified malaria-free in January 2024. This archipelago of ten islands west of Senegal is home to more than half a million people.
In conclusion, these success stories of African countries certified malaria-free demonstrate the importance of government commitment, investment in health systems, public awareness and implementation of effective control measures to combat this devastating disease. These continued efforts are essential to achieve the global goal of a malaria-free world.