Egypt is the 44th country to be certified malaria-free, and the first to achieve this since 2010. Egypt’s certification marks one more step in the global effort to eradicate malaria.
How Did Egypt Receive Malaria-Free Certification from the WHO?
The World Health Organization (WHO) only certifies malaria elimination under strict conditions. A country must prove that it has stopped transmission nationwide for at least three years in a row. The country must also show it can prevent the disease from re-emerging in the future.
Several initiatives helped Egypt meet these requirements. The country has maintained intensive disease surveillance within its communities. Health workers receive ongoing training, which has improved detection rates. Additionally, Egypt works with neighboring countries, such as Sudan, to prevent cross-border transmission.
A strong healthcare system has been key to Egypt’s success. Around 95% of Egyptians live within a few miles of a primary health provider. Since April of last year, Egypt has provided care to victims displaced by the war in Sudan. The country has also sent rapid diagnostic tests and medications to hospitals nationwide.
Yet, the WHO has urged Egypt not to rest on its laurels. It encouraged the country to stay vigilant to maintain its malaria-free status.
What Is Egypt’s History with Malaria?
Malaria’s history in Egypt stretches back to as early as 4000 BCE. Markers of the disease were found in Tutankhamen and other, older Egyptian mummies. Historical records show early spread-curbing measures, such as burning villages and quarantining.
In the 1920s, Egypt began modern efforts to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. It started by banning the cultivation of rice and other crops near residential areas.
By 1930, Egypt intensified its anti-malaria campaigns. It added the parasitic illness to its list of notifiable diseases. The statute required all cases to be reported to the government. Shortly after, Egypt opened its first control station for malaria diagnosis and treatment.
During World War II, malaria cases surged in Egypt. Soldiers and civilians suffered low access to health services and severe treatment shortages. Displaced populations and a wave of malaria-carrying mosquitoes further strained the country. Egypt added 16 new divisions and recruited 4,000 health workers to combat the outbreak.
By the 1950s and 1960s, malaria was largely contained. Egypt used insecticides in standing water and continued mosquito surveillance. It ramped up economic development efforts in poorer regions to reduce spread.
In 1970, Egypt demonstrated its continued malaria control efficiency. It stopped any major outbreaks from the construction of the Aswan Dam, completed in 1969. The long canals and reservoirs created by the dam posed a high risk for stagnant water. Yet, Egypt successfully stopped the area from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Since 2001, Egypt has focused on fully ending malaria within its borders. A contained outbreak in 2014 reinforced the country’s commitment to eradication.
In 2016, Egypt established the High Committee for Integrated Vector Management. The government agency is designed to further target and kill disease-carrying mosquitoes.
What Work Still Remains to Eradicate Malaria Worldwide?
In 2022, nearly 250 million cases of malaria were documented globally. Over 600,000 people died, with most of the victims being young children in sub-Saharan Africa.
In the hardest-hit regions, poverty plays a significant role in the spread of malaria. A lack of mosquito-proof housing and inadequate healthcare make the disease particularly dangerous.
In many of these nations, malaria is the leading cause of death. Nearly 50% of the world’s population lives in at-risk areas, spanning more than 80 countries.
New malaria vaccines are inoculating some of the most affected populations, offering hope. Still, monitoring mosquito populations and preventing bites remain the most effective strategies.
Despite these obstacles in the U.S., sickle cell disease devastates under-resourced regions. This is truest in Africa, where malaria is endemic. The sickle cell gene offers some protection against infection. The parasite struggles to develop in crescent-shaped blood cells.
Travelers from regions with low transmission rates are especially vulnerable to infection. They lack immunity to the disease.
In 2023, ten locally acquired cases of malaria were reported in the United States. They broke a 20-year streak of no local U.S.-based transmission.
Conclusion
Egypt’s malaria-free certification marks a milestone after nearly a century of efforts. Yet, the fight against malaria continues worldwide, with millions still at risk. Ongoing vigilance and global cooperation are essential to end the disease once-and-for-all.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including malaria vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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