Georgia has officially been declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) after a long and dedicated effort spanning nearly a century. This accomplishment places Georgia among the 45 other countries and one territory that have successfully eliminated malaria.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, commended Georgia’s achievement, highlighting the country’s commitment to sustained investment, a dedicated health workforce, and targeted strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment of malaria cases. This milestone brings the WHO European region one step closer to becoming the first malaria-free region in the world.
The certification of malaria elimination is granted by the WHO when a country demonstrates, beyond a reasonable doubt, that indigenous transmission of the disease has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years.
Malaria has been a historical burden for Georgia, with multiple parasite species endemic in the country before the implementation of systematic control efforts in the early 1900s. Through a concerted campaign post-World War II, Georgia successfully halted the transmission of several malaria parasite species, remaining malaria-free for 25 years until a resurgence in 2002.
Following the signing of the Tashkent Declaration in 2005, Georgia intensified its efforts to eliminate malaria, leading to a significant reduction in malaria incidence. The last indigenous case was recorded in 2009, and by 2015, all 53 countries in the WHO European region reported zero indigenous cases of malaria.
Georgia’s journey to malaria-free status showcases the effectiveness of collaborative efforts, strategic interventions, and relentless commitment to public health goals. This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals and the population of Georgia in combatting a disease that has plagued the country for centuries.
