The World Health Organization (WHO), on Friday, announced Cape Verde as the third African country to eliminate malaria.
Cape Verde’s journey to malaria elimination began in 2007 when it became a national objective. A strategic malaria plan from 2009 to 2013 prioritized expanded diagnosis, early and effective treatment, and meticulous reporting and investigation of all cases.
Despite facing challenges, including lapses in eradication campaigns, Cape Verde’s commitment remained steadfast, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2022 alone, malaria wreaked havoc, causing the death of 608,000 people globally and infecting 250 million individuals.
The WHO emphasizes that Africa bears the brunt of this burden, with 95 percent of deaths and 94 percent of contaminations occurring on the continent. Alarmingly, children under five constituted 80 percent of malaria-related deaths in Africa.
Cape Verde, an Atlantic archipelago with around 500,000 inhabitants, joins the ranks of malaria-free nations, following in the footsteps of Mauritius in 1973 and Algeria in 2019.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Cape Verde’s government and people for their unwavering commitment, emphasizing the power of strategic public health planning and collaboration.
Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, views Cape Verde’s achievement as a beacon of hope for the entire African Region.
The WHO emphasizes the potential benefits for Cape Verde, stating that being malaria-free could attract more visitors and boost socio-economic activities in a country where tourism accounts for approximately 25 percent of GDP.
