While the WHO praised Egypt's achievement, it cautioned that the country must remain vigilant to prevent the return of malaria.

Egypt's malaria control efforts have evolved over the decades, with significant improvements noted since the 1950s and 1960s, including the use of insecticides and effective vector management.

Egypt has achieved a historic milestone by being certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the culmination of nearly a century of efforts.

The certification process requires a country to demonstrate an interruption of mosquito transmission for at least three consecutive years and the capacity to prevent future transmission.

This certification makes Egypt the third country in the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region to receive this status, following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.

Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that this certification signals the beginning of a new phase, necessitating ongoing vigilance in surveillance and treatment.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy of the WHO highlighted that robust surveillance and community engagement were crucial to Egypt's success in eliminating malaria.

To maintain its malaria-free status, Egypt has implemented strict surveillance measures and established cross-border partnerships, particularly with Sudan.

The country has made significant strides in healthcare access, with 95% of the population living within 5 kilometers of a health facility, where malaria diagnosis and treatment are provided free of charge.

Malaria is caused by parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, leading to severe symptoms, particularly dangerous for young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Despite Egypt's success, malaria continues to pose a significant global health threat, claiming over 600,000 lives annually, primarily in Africa.

The WHO awarded the certification to Egypt in recognition of its successful malaria elimination efforts, a testament to the country's effective public health strategies.