On October 20, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced great news: Egypt has successfully eliminated malaria from its territory!
This is a serious disease caused by parasites transmitted through mosquito bites. This success is the result of nearly 100 years of efforts to protect the Egyptian population.
Malaria has been known since the time of the pharaohs. In fact, the famous pharaoh Tutankhamun is believed to have suffered from this disease over 3,300 years ago. Now, this disease belongs to Egypt’s history. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director of the WHO, stated that this moment is truly special because it shows the determination of the Egyptian people and government to defeat this scourge.
Worldwide, malaria affects around 229 million people each year. Unfortunately, it causes over 600,000 deaths, 95% of which occur in Africa. However, Egypt is not alone in its fight. Other countries, like Algeria and Cape Verde, have also managed to rid themselves of this disease.
The WHO only certifies a country as malaria-free if it proves to have interrupted the transmission of the disease for at least three years. To date, 44 countries have received this certification.
This victory in Egypt reminds us that even in the face of difficult challenges, solutions exist. Together, we can all contribute to a malaria-free future!
