Tagged:

WHO Declares Egypt Malaria-Free After 'Historic' Achievement

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant and "truly historic" public health milestone. The achievement follows a nearly 100-year effort by the North African country to end a disease that has been present there since ancient times.

"Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future. This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Egypt is the third country to receive malaria-free status in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. This milestone has been achieved by 44 countries and one territory worldwide.

InFocus

James Gathany/CDC Public Health Image Library

A feeding female Anopheles stephensi mosquito. A. stephensi is a known vector for the parasitic disease malaria.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.