Achieving malaria-free: Egypt's journey to WHO certification and global implications for disease control

Abstract

Egypt's recent malaria-free certification by the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a significant achievement in public health, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained national efforts in disease eradication. This milestone, achieved after nearly a century of strategic intervention, highlights the importance of integrated public health programmes and cross-sector collaboration. Egypt's journey involved early initiatives to reduce human-mosquito contact, the establishment of malaria control stations, and comprehensive outbreak management strategies. This country's success serves as an exemplar for other African nations, emphasizing the need for adaptable, community-focused approaches to disease control. Despite challenges such as drug-resistant malaria strains and pesticide-resistant mosquitoes, Egypt's experience demonstrates the potential for successful malaria elimination through coordinated efforts and innovative solutions. This accomplishment contributes to regional health improvements, and provides valuable insights into global malaria eradication strategies.

Keywords: Africa; Disease control; Egypt; Global health strategy; Malaria-free certification; Public health; Vector-borne diseases; WHO.