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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.

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