The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday officially declared Algeria and Argentina as malaria-free as no new cases of the deadly disease have been reported in the two countries in the last three years. Algeria reported its last cases of indigenous malaria in 2013 and Argentina in 2010.
According to WHO, Algeria is the second country in Africa to be recognized as malaria-free after Mauritius, which was certified in 1973, while Argentina is the second country in South America to be declared malaria-free after Paraguay.
“Algeria and Argentina have eliminated malaria thanks to the unwavering commitment and perseverance of the people and leaders of both countries,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, reported CNN. “Their success serves as a model for other countries working to end this disease once and for all.”
The WHO Director-General presented the certificates to representatives from Algeria and Argentina on the sidelines of the 72nd session of the World Health Assembly.
Malaria, which is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito, remains one of the world’s leading killers. Around 219 million cases and over 400 000 malaria-related deaths were recorded in 2017 alone. Approximately 60 percent of fatalities are among children aged less than 5 years.
Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa, said Algeria is where the malaria parasite was first discovered in humans almost a century and a half ago and now the country has shown the rest of Africa that the deadly disease can be beaten through country leadership, bold action, sound investment, and science. He said that the rest of the continent can learn from Algeria’s experience.
Moeti added that the malaria-free status provides external economic benefits to Algeria and also enables the government to free up resources to address other health and development priorities and improve worker productivity and school attendance.
A total of 38 countries and territories in the world have now been declared malaria-free.
