Algeria and Argentina have been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as malaria-free.
The certification is granted when a country proves that it has interrupted indigenous transmission of the disease for at least 3 consecutive years.
Algeria and Argentina reported their last cases of indigenous malaria in 2013 and 2010 respectively.
Algeria becomes the second country in the WHO African Region to be officially recognized as malaria-free, after Mauritius, which was certified in 1973.
Argentina is also the second country in the WHO Region of the Americas to be certified in 45 years, after Paraguay in June 2018.
Contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito, malaria remains one of the world’s leading killers, with an estimated 219 million cases and over 400 000 malaria-related deaths in 2017.
Approximately 60 percent of fatalities are among children aged under 5 years.
Unwavering Commitment
For both Algeria and Argentina, malaria has a history that spans hundreds of years, and the battle against the disease has been hard-fought.
Over the last decade, improved surveillance allowed for every last case of malaria to be rapidly identified and treated.
Importantly, both countries provided free diagnosis and treatment within their borders, ensuring no one was left behind in getting the services they needed to prevent, detect and cure the disease.
“Algeria and Argentina have eliminated malaria thanks to the unwavering commitment and perseverance of the people and leaders of both countries,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“Their success serves as a model for other countries working to end this disease once and for all, ” he added.
Algeria’s subsequent success in beating the disease could be attributed primarily to a well-trained health workforce, the provision of malaria diagnosis and treatment through universal health care, and a rapid response to disease outbreaks.
Together, these factors enabled the country to reach – and maintain – zero malaria cases.
“Algeria is where the malaria parasite was first discovered in humans almost a century and a half ago, and that was a significant milestone in responding to the disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“Now Algeria has shown the rest of Africa that malaria can be beaten through country leadership, bold action, sound investment and science. The rest of the continent can learn from this experience,”she stated.
“Argentina reported the last indigenous case in 2010 and has demonstrated the commitment, the capacity within its health, laboratory and surveillance systems, and the necessary financing to prevent the re-establishment of malaria within the country”, said Dr Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, WHO regional office for the Americas.
“I am sure that Argentina will serve as an inspiration and as an example for other countries of the Americas to achieve the elimination of malaria in the coming years.”
The certificates were presented by the WHO Director-General to representatives from Algeria and Argentina on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the World Health Assembly.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri