After nearly a century of relentless efforts, Georgia has achieved a monumental milestone: being certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This impressive feat places Georgia alongside 45 countries and 1 territory that have successfully eliminated malaria.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, congratulated the people of Georgia for their sustained efforts, stating that their commitment and success give hope for a malaria-free world. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Georgia’s achievement brings the WHO European Region one step closer to becoming the first malaria-free region globally.
Georgia’s journey to becoming malaria-free has been long and challenging. Malaria has plagued the country since ancient times, with at least three malaria parasite species endemic in the country. Systematic control efforts in the early 1900s and large-scale mosquito control programs in the 1940s helped reduce malaria cases. However, World War II caused a surge in cases, and it wasn’t until the post-war period that Georgia launched an intensive program to eliminate malaria.
The country remained malaria-free for 25 years but experienced a reemergence of the disease in 2002. In response, Georgia signed the Tashkent Declaration in 2005, reaffirming its commitment to eliminate malaria. The intensified interventions that followed significantly reduced malaria incidence, with the last indigenous case recorded in 2009.
Today, Georgia’s certification as malaria-free is a testament to the country’s well-functioning healthcare system, strong public-private cooperation, and political commitment to maintaining a malaria-free status. As the WHO continues to work towards a malaria-free world, Georgia’s achievement serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other countries to follow.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
