The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Egypt malaria-free, marking a significant achievement for a country with a population exceeding 100 million. This milestone follows nearly a century of efforts by the Egyptian government and its citizens to eradicate malaria, a disease that has plagued the nation since ancient times.
“Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued the pharaohs is now a thing of the past,” remarked WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This certification is a monumental achievement and highlights the commitment of the Egyptian people and government. Egypt’s success is an inspiration to other countries in the region and demonstrates what can be accomplished with the right tools and resources.”
Egypt is now the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve malaria-free status, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Globally, 44 countries and one territory have reached this milestone.
A New Chapter in Egypt’s Public Health Journey
Receiving the certification is a proud moment, but it also signals the start of a new phase. Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, stressed the need for continued vigilance, saying, “Now, we must work tirelessly to maintain our achievement through robust surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, and integrated vector management. Our success will depend on sustaining a rapid response to any imported cases and ensuring the highest health standards.”
He added, “Under the wise guidance of our leadership, we will continue strengthening our healthcare system to protect the health of all Egyptians and visitors.”
WHO Malaria-Free Certification
To receive malaria-free certification, a country must demonstrate that indigenous malaria transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years. Additionally, it must prove it has the capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.
Egypt’s Long Journey to Elimination
Egypt’s battle with malaria can be traced back to 4000 B.C.E., with evidence of the disease found in the remains of mummies, including Tutankhamun. Early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact date back to the 1920s when Egypt prohibited rice cultivation near homes. By the 1930s, malaria had become a notifiable disease, and the country established its first malaria control station focused on diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.
Despite these efforts, malaria cases spiked during World War II due to population displacement, medical supply disruptions, and the invasion of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly efficient mosquito vector. However, Egypt successfully controlled the outbreak through the establishment of treatment centers and the recruitment of over 4,000 health workers.
The construction of the Aswan Dam in 1969 posed new malaria risks, as stagnant water became breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Egypt responded with a rigorous vector control project in collaboration with Sudan to manage potential outbreaks.
By 2001, malaria was largely under control. A small outbreak in Aswan Governorate in 2014 was quickly contained thanks to early case detection, rapid treatment, and public education.
Today, malaria diagnosis and treatment in Egypt are free for all residents, regardless of legal status, and health professionals are trained nationwide to detect and manage cases, including at the country’s borders. Egypt’s close collaboration with neighboring countries, particularly Sudan, has also played a crucial role in preventing the resurgence of malaria.
WHO’s Certification Process
Malaria-free certification is granted by the WHO Director-General based on recommendations from the independent Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification.
For more information on WHO’s malaria-free certification process, visit WHO’s official site.
