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The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Egypt as malaria-free, representing a remarkable achievement in public health for a nation with over 100 million residents. This milestone is the culmination of nearly a century-long commitment by both the Egyptian government and its citizens to eradicate a disease that has been part of the country’s history since ancient times.
“Malaria has existed alongside Egyptian civilization, but the affliction that once troubled pharaohs is now relegated to history,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This certification signifies an extraordinary moment and reflects the dedication of Egypt’s people and government in overcoming this age-old challenge. I extend my congratulations to Egypt for this accomplishment, which serves as an inspiration to other nations in the region and demonstrates what can be achieved with adequate resources and effective strategies.”
Egypt becomes the third nation within the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to receive malaria-free certification, following in the footsteps of Morocco and the United Arab Emirates; it is also notable as the first such recognition since 2010. Worldwide, 44 countries along with one territory have attained this significant status.
“Achieving malaria elimination certification today marks not just an end but rather a new beginning,” remarked H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt. “We must remain vigilant and dedicated to maintaining our success through rigorous standards for surveillance, diagnosis, treatment protocols, integrated vector management strategies, and prompt responses to any imported cases we may encounter.”
“I assure you that we will persist with unwavering resolve under wise leadership guidance to protect public health across Egypt while enhancing our healthcare system—this remains fundamental for safeguarding all individuals residing in or visiting our country,” he added.
The WHO grants malaria elimination certification when it is convincingly demonstrated that indigenous transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years prior to evaluation. Additionally, countries must show their capability to prevent any resurgence of transmission.
The Pathway Toward Malaria Elimination in Egypt
Evidence suggests that malaria was present in Egypt as far back as 4000 B.C.E., with genetic traces found within mummies including those of Tutankhamun.
Initial measures aimed at reducing human-mosquito interactions began during the 1920s when rice cultivation near residential areas was banned due to high prevalence rates—reaching up to 40% along Nile River banks—prompting officials in 1930 to classify malaria as a notifiable disease while establishing their first control station focused on diagnosis and treatment efforts.
“Today’s achievement illustrates how vision combined with unity can help us conquer formidable challenges,” said Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean Affairs. “Eliminating malaria represents not only progress for public health but also hope globally—especially among other endemic nations within our region.” She emphasized ongoing collaboration efforts aimed at supporting endemic countries like Sudan remain crucial moving forward.
By 1942 during World War II disruptions led cases exceeding three million due largely from population displacements coupled with medical supply shortages exacerbated by invasions from Anopheles arabiensis, an efficient mosquito vector species among others contributing factors; however through strategic establishment of sixteen treatment divisions alongside recruitment exceeding four thousand healthcare workers helped regain control over outbreaks effectively.
The completion of Aswan Dam construction in 1969 introduced new risks associated with stagnant water creating ideal breeding conditions; thus prompting collaborative initiatives between Egypt and Sudan focusing on robust vector control measures paired alongside comprehensive public health surveillance systems designed swiftly detect potential outbreaks early on.
By year-end two thousand one local transmission had been firmly contained allowing Ministry Health Population shift focus towards preventing re-establishment local transmissions altogether successfully managing small outbreak reported Aswan Governorate two thousand fourteen via prompt identification treatments educational outreach campaigns targeting communities directly affected.
Malarial diagnostics treatments are provided free-of-charge across entire population regardless legal status ensuring trained professionals available nationwide capable detecting screening potential cases even border crossings facilitating strong cross-border partnerships neighboring states like Sudan instrumental preventing resurgence local transmissions ultimately paving way official recognition being certified free from malarial threats entirely.
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Ceremony Details Regarding WHO Certification Process
The final determination regarding awarding certifications rests solely upon recommendations made by independent Technical Advisory Group Malaria Elimination Certification presented before Director-General who ultimately decides outcome based upon thorough evaluations conducted throughout process itself; further information available via WHO’s official website detailing certification procedures here .
Media Inquiries Contact Information:
- Main Headquarters:Mediainquiries@who.int
- E.M.R.O Office: emromedia@who.int
- Cairo Country Office: aliya@who.int
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