Georgia Achieves Malaria-Free Status: A Historic Milestone
WHO Certification:
Georgia has been officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the culmination of nearly a century of dedicated efforts. With this achievement, Georgia joins 45 countries and one territory that have successfully eliminated malaria.
Celebrating the Achievement:
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General:
“Georgia’s decades of targeted and sustained actions to eliminate malaria give us hope that a malaria-free world is achievable.” - Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe:
“This milestone brings the WHO European Region closer to becoming the first malaria-free region globally, thanks to Georgia’s investments in prevention, early detection, and treatment.” - Mikheil Sarjveladze, Minister of Health of Georgia:
“This recognition highlights the sustainability of our healthcare system and our ability to address significant health challenges.”
Criteria for Certification:
To earn malaria-free certification, a country must demonstrate that indigenous transmission of malaria has been interrupted nationwide for at least three consecutive years.
A Historical Struggle
Malaria has been a persistent challenge in Georgia, with the disease prevalent since ancient times. The struggle intensified in the early 20th century:
- 1920s: Nearly 30% of the population suffered from malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax.
- 1940s: Mosquito control programs significantly reduced cases, but World War II caused a resurgence due to population movement and overburdened health systems.
- 1950s–1970s: Intensive elimination campaigns eradicated P. falciparum (1953), P. malariae (1960), and P. vivax (1970).
Although Georgia remained malaria-free for 25 years, the disease resurfaced in 2002, with 474 cases reported.
Renewed Efforts and Long-Term Commitment
Georgia’s modern fight against malaria intensified after signing the Tashkent Declaration in 2005, pledging to eliminate the disease alongside nine other countries in the WHO European Region. By 2009, the last indigenous malaria case was recorded, and by 2015, Georgia reported zero indigenous cases, alongside all 53 countries in the region.
The Ashgabat Statement of 2017 reaffirmed commitments to prevent the re-establishment of malaria. In 2024, during the certification process, WHO’s Technical Advisory Group praised Georgia for its:
- Well-resourced and functional healthcare system.
- Strong public-private partnerships.
- Political determination to maintain its malaria-free status.
Looking Ahead
Georgia’s success demonstrates the power of sustained investment, innovation, and collaboration in public health. With Türkiye as the last country in the WHO European Region awaiting certification, the dream of a malaria-free region is closer than ever.
Source of Information: https://www.who.int/news/item/23-01-2025-georgia-certified-malaria-free-by-who
