The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Cape Verde as a malaria-free country, a significant milestone for global health.
This achievement places Cape Verde among the elite group of 43 countries and 1 territory that has received such certification from the WHO.
Cape Verde is the third country in the WHO African region to attain this status, following Mauritius and Algeria, certified in 1973 and 2019, respectively.
Notably, the African continent bears the highest malaria burden, accounting for approximately 95% of global malaria cases and 96% of related deaths in 2021.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, commended the commitment and resilience of the government and people of Cape Verde.
He explained that the certification reflects the success of strategic public health planning, collaboration, and sustained efforts to protect and promote health.
Tedros expressed optimism about the possibility of a malaria-free world with existing tools and new advancements, including vaccines.
The nation’s commitment to malaria elimination was further solidified with its inclusion in the national health policy in 2007. A strategic malaria plan from 2009 to 2013 laid the groundwork for success, focusing on expanded diagnosis, early and effective treatment, and comprehensive reporting.
