The World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified Egypt as malaria-free on Sunday, 20 October, marking the end of a nearly century-long campaign to eliminate the disease.

With over 100 million residents, Egypt has become the third country in the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region to achieve this status, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.

Malaria, a mosquito-borne illness, had plagued Egypt for centuries, with cases traced back as far as 4000 B.C. The country’s early malaria control efforts began in the 1920s, involving measures to reduce mosquito habitats, such as banning rice cultivation near homes. Despite setbacks, including an outbreak during World War II, Egypt made steady progress in eradicating the disease.

By 2001, malaria was largely under control and subsequent outbreaks were swiftly contained, including a small resurgence in 2014. The Egyptian government provided free diagnosis and treatment nationwide, and maintained strong cross-border co-operation with neighbouring Sudan to prevent the reintroduction of malaria.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, hailed Egypt’s achievement as “historic”, highlighting it as an inspiration to other countries. While the certification marks a major victory, Egypt’s health authorities stress that maintaining rigorous surveillance will be essential to safeguarding this malaria-free status.

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