Kinshasa, October 20, 2024 (ACP) – An extraordinary piece of news recently shook the global public health field: the World Health Organization (WHO) proudly announced that it had successfully eradicated malaria in Egypt. This age-old disease, transmitted by mosquito bites and potentially fatal, is now a scourge of the past in this once-affected country.
This is a true victory for science, for global health, but most importantly for the people and government of Egypt, who have worked tirelessly to end this age-old threat. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the certification of Egypt as a malaria-free country is a historic event that testifies to the commitment and determination of the Egyptian people. Malaria will no longer haunt Egypt’s future, but will remain etched in its history.
This achievement is the result of unwavering perseverance and dedication, spanning nearly a century. WHO is therefore celebrating the total eradication of malaria in Egypt as a crucial milestone in the fight against this devastating disease. WHO certification of malaria elimination is based on rigorous criteria, including the interruption of the mosquito-borne chain of transmission for at least three consecutive years.
This major achievement highlights the importance of combating malaria, a disease that continues to wreak havoc, especially in Africa. While Egypt has successfully eradicated the scourge, other countries on the continent continue to face this threat. Indeed, malaria continues to be responsible for more than 600,000 deaths per year, mainly in Africa. However, progress has also been noted, with countries such as Algeria, Cape Verde, Lesotho, Mauritius and Seychelles having been certified malaria-free.
Despite these advances, malaria control remains a priority for many African countries, which bear a very high share of the global burden of the disease. An estimated 70% of malaria cases originate from just 11 African countries, highlighting the importance of efforts to eradicate this disease.
In conclusion, the eradication of malaria in Egypt is an exceptional achievement that deserves to be celebrated. However, it is crucial to continue the fight against this disease in other affected countries, in order to ensure a better future for all. This victory is a testament to what is possible when determination and solidarity come together to address public health challenges.