Egypt has been declared malaria free. The World Health Organisation has called the achievement “truly historic”. “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilisation itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.
Genetic evidence of malaria has been found in Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian mummies; with this the disease can be traced back as far as 4000 BC.
Egypt designated malaria as a notifiable disease in 1930 after its prevalence rose to 40%. Egypt witnessed several spikes in malaria cases: in 1942 when medical supplies were disrupted due to the Second World War and in 1969 when the Aswan Dam was constructed raising risk for malaria as the standing water became a breeding ground for mosquitoes.Egypt has joined 43 other countries to get certified as malaria free. It is the third country to be awarded a malaria-free certification in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010.
“Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase. We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management and sustaining our effective and rapid response to imported cases. Our continued multisectoral efforts will be critical to preserving Egypt’s malaria-free status,” said H.E. Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt.
Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.
What India needs to learn from Egypt about malaria management
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in India, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The country accounts for a substantial portion of the global malaria burden, with several states being most affected. The disease is more prevalent during and after the monsoon season, when mosquito breeding conditions are optimal.
Despite efforts by the government and health organizations many regions still face inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to effective diagnostic tools and treatments. The situation is further complicated by drug-resistant strains of malaria and the lack of awareness about preventive measures, like using insecticide-treated bed nets and anti-malarial drugs.
Egypt promptly handled several outbreaks of malaria with a proper strategy in place.
Egypt provided malaria diagnosis and treatment free of charge to the entire population regardless of legal status.
Health professionals are trained nationwide to detect and screen for malaria cases including at borders
Egypt’s strong cross-border partnership with neighbouring countries, including Sudan, has been instrumental for preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission, paving the way for the country to be officially certified as malaria-free, the WHO says.
India has made strides in reducing malaria cases through campaigns promoting awareness, spraying insecticides, and providing medical care, but challenges remain. Strengthening healthcare services, improving access to preventive measures, and focusing on high-risk populations are essential to achieving the goal of a malaria-free India. Continued efforts in education and public health are vital to combat the disease effectively and reduce its impact on vulnerable communities.
