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WHO Certifies Cabo Verde as Malaria-Free
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MIN007
Category: News | Public Health | Tropical Diseases
Keywords: tropical diseases, malaria, malaria-free, Africa
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15 January 2024, 07:45
Contributor: Linda Ravenhill
WHO Press Release, 12 January 2024
Cape Verde has been declared malaria-free, making it the third African country - along with Mauritius (1973) and Algeria (2019) - to achieve this status. Globally, Africa bears the highest burden of the disease. According to the WHO, in 2021, the continent accounted for an estimated 95% of global cases and 96% of malaria-associated deaths. This achievement by Cape Verde is an important step forward in the fight to control the disease throughout Africa.
Malaria-free certification is awarded to a country when there is strong evidence that indigenous malaria transmission by the Anopheles mosquito has been halted nationwide for at least three years. Additionally, the country must show the capability to prevent the re-emergence of transmission to qualify for certification.
The key to Cape Verde’s achievement was declaring malaria elimination a national health policy objective in 2007. Between 2009 and 2013, a strategic plan that emphasized expanded diagnosis, early and effective treatment, and comprehensive reporting and investigation of all cases was implemented. To curb imported cases from mainland Africa, free diagnosis and treatment were extended to international travellers and migrants. The plan was adjusted in 2017, incorporating learnings from an outbreak in that year, and was maintained during the COVID period, resulting in the country achieving the 3-year malaria-free requirement.
The certification is a significant socio-economic boost to the country. In particular, it will boost tourism, which accounts for approximately 25 per cent of GDP.
“Cabo Verde’s achievement is a beacon of hope for the African Region and beyond. It demonstrates that with strong political will, effective policies, community engagement and multisectoral collaboration, malaria elimination is an achievable goal,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “The attainment of this milestone by Cabo Verde is an inspiring example for other nations to follow.” 1
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