Egypt becomes 2nd country in 2024 to be declared ‘malaria-free’

  • 22 Oct 2024

In News:

Egypt was officially declared ‘malaria-free’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Key Highlights:

  • Egypt became the second country (after Cabo Verde) to be certified malaria-free in 2024.
  • It is the fifth African country to achieve this milestone, joining Morocco, UAE, and Cabo Verde in the malaria-free list.
  • WHO Certification Criteria:
    • A country is certified malaria-free if it can prove the Anopheles mosquito-borne malaria transmission chain has been broken for at least three years.
    • The country must also have the capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission.
  • About Malaria:
    • Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
    • It is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries.
    • Symptoms include fever, headache, and chills, which can be mild and difficult to diagnose.
    • Prevention mainly involves vector control interventions, and treatment involves early diagnosis and use of antimalarial drugs.