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WHO declares Cape Verde officially malaria-free

Credit: WHO
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Nairobi, Kenya
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In a historic milestone for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Cape Verde malaria-free. This announcement comes after three years in which a single case of local transmission was not reported.

Cape Verde has successfully eliminated the transmission of malaria within its borders, marking a major achievement in the ongoing battle against the disease.

The country joins Mauritius and Algeria as the only three African nations to have eliminated a menace that continues to kill thousands of people – the majority of whom are children.

The announcement was made by Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, during a press conference held in the Cape Verde capital, Praia. Dr. Tedros commended the country for its unwavering commitment to malaria control and emphasized the collaborative efforts that led to this remarkable accomplishment.

β€˜Cabo Verde’s success is the latest in the global fight against malaria, and gives us hope that with existing tools, as well as new ones including vaccines, we can dare to dream of a malaria-free world.’ Dr. Tedros said.

According to the World Health Organization, malaria is among the most deadly diseases in Africa despite a decline in deaths in recent years. The world malaria report published in December 2022 states that nearly 80% of malaria deaths on the continent are among children under the age of five.

Cape Verde’s journey to malaria-free status began with a comprehensive strategy that included focusing on expanded diagnosis, early and effective treatment, and a willingness to report and investigate all cases. The government also implemented community engagement initiatives to raise awareness about malaria prevention and encourage swifter action from the public.

Cape Verde’s Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts that led to the achievement. He highlighted the dedication of healthcare workers, the support of international partners, and the commitment of the Cape Verdean people to adopting preventive measures.

β€˜The certification as a malaria-free country has a huge impact, and it’s taken a long time to get to this point…the challenge that Cabo Verde has overcome in the health system is being recognised.’, the Prime Minister said.

As Cape Verde celebrates, attention now turns to the importance of increased vigilance to prevent the reintroduction of malaria. The country’s Ministry of Health promises to continue its surveillance efforts and reinforce healthcare systems to ensure a prompt response to any potential resurgence.

Looking at the bigger picture continent-wide, this elimination of malaria may serve as a source of inspiration to foster collaboration and innovation in affected nations to overcome even the most formidable public health challenges.

Contributing Writer Nairobi, Kenya

I’m Derrick (He/Him), a Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from the Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya. Currently I write about trending topics and major issues affecting Africa for Thred, specifically concerning SDGs. View my TwitterΒ here if you’d like to send me feedback.

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