When you think about malaria, Africa is typically the first place that springs to mind. Malaria has been a severe health concern in many African countries for decades.
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitos. It causes a high fever and chills and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Malaria remains a severe concern in many African countries, but some have successfully eradicated it. Take a peek at some of these countries.
1. Egypt
Egypt, recognized for its ancient civilization and history, has long suffered with malaria. The sickness that formerly plagued even the pharaohs is no longer prevalent. The World Health Organization has proclaimed Egypt free of malaria. This is a significant achievement, and Egypt is one of only a few North African countries to have reached this milestone. The country’s healthcare initiatives, combined with improved mosquito control and treatment programs, enabled it eradicate malaria for good.
2. Seychelles
Seychelles, an Indian Ocean island nation, has been malaria-free since 2012. Its success is due in part to its geography. Seychelles, as a series of islands, is naturally more secluded from other countries where malaria is still prevalent. But it’s not all luck. The Seychelles government took extraordinary measures to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the disease. They also stressed the need of mosquito control.
3. Mauritius
Malaria was once prevalent in Mauritius, another Indian Ocean island nation. In the 1940s, the sickness claimed many lives and appeared to be a never-ending scourge. However, Mauritius responded with substantial mosquito control efforts and medical treatment for individuals who became ill.
Their efforts were so successful that in 1973, the WHO proclaimed Mauritius malaria-free. Since then, the country has continued to monitor and prevent the disease from returning.
4. Algeria
Algeria followed Morocco’s lead and was proclaimed malaria-free by the WHO in 2019. This achievement is especially significant because the malaria parasite was found in Algeria in 1880. Algeria has worked tirelessly over the years to combat malaria through public health initiatives, healthcare advances, and malaria prevention education. Algeria successfully prevented malaria from spreading by discovering and treating patients early on. Malaria is no longer a worry among Algerians.
5. Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a series of islands off the west coast of Africa. This little nation achieved malaria-free in January 2024, joining Algeria and Mauritius. Cape Verde’s performance demonstrates how governments can combat malaria by prioritizing mosquito control, healthcare advancements, and disease education.
The country has worked diligently to guarantee that malaria does not return, and its efforts have been acknowledged by WHO.
6. Morocco
Morocco, a North African country, was the first on the continent to be proclaimed malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This occurred in 2010. However, Morocco’s journey to eliminate malaria began far earlier.
Morocco has drastically reduced malaria cases by the late 1960s as a result of vigorous public health measures. They concentrated on controlling mosquitos, treating those who became ill fast, and regularly monitoring malaria hotspots. This effort paid off when Morocco was officially declared malaria-free after reporting no local cases for several years.