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Georgia Certified Malaria-Free: A Landmark Achievement in Global Health

Georgia has officially been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant milestone for both the country and the WHO European region. This achievement reflects decades of effort, investment, and strategic interventions in malaria control and elimination. With this recognition, Georgia joins 45 other countries and one territory that have successfully eradicated the disease.

A Historical Battle Against Malaria in Georgia

Malaria has plagued Georgia for centuries. Before systematic control measures began in the early 1900s, three malaria parasite species were endemic in the region:

  • Plasmodium falciparum
  • Plasmodium malariae
  • Plasmodium vivax

Following World War II, Georgia launched an extensive malaria elimination program, incorporating:
✔️ New medicines and treatment protocols
✔️ Insecticide spraying in high-risk areas
✔️ Improved entomological surveillance to monitor mosquito populations

Key Milestones in Malaria Elimination

Georgia achieved significant breakthroughs in its fight against malaria:

  • 1953: Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum successfully interrupted.
  • 1960: Plasmodium malariae eliminated.
  • 1970: Plasmodium vivax eradicated, making Georgia malaria-free for the next 25 years.

However, in 2002, malaria resurged, with 474 reported cases. In response, Georgia signed the Tashkent Declaration (2005), committing to malaria elimination. Intensive interventions followed, leading to zero indigenous cases since 2009.

By 2015, all WHO European region countries reported zero indigenous cases, solidifying the region’s success in malaria control.

Understanding Malaria: Transmission & Symptoms

Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The symptoms range from mild to life-threatening:
🦠 Mild Symptoms: Fever, chills, headaches.
⚠️ Severe Cases: Organ failure, confusion, seizures, and potential death.

The most vulnerable groups include infants, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

Global and Regional Malaria Trends

Despite progress in several countries, malaria remains a global health challenge:

  • In 2023, an estimated 263 million malaria cases were reported, with 597,000 deaths worldwide.
  • The WHO African region accounts for 94% of cases, with five countries—Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Mozambique—making up nearly 52% of global cases.
  • The rollout of malaria vaccines, RTS,S and R21, has significantly improved vaccine coverage in high-risk areas.

Since 2015, nine countries, including Egypt, have achieved malaria-free status.

India’s Progress: A Case Study in Malaria Control

India, once severely affected by malaria, has made remarkable progress:

  • At independence, the country recorded 7.5 crore cases and 800,000 deaths annually.
  • Persistent efforts have reduced cases by over 97%, with just 2 million cases annually by 2023.
  • Malaria-related deaths have dropped to just 83, reflecting India’s commitment to elimination.
  • The Annual Blood Examination Rate has improved, enabling early detection and intervention.

A Step Forward in Global Malaria Eradication

Georgia’s success story serves as an inspiration for malaria-endemic nations. It highlights the power of consistent public health policies, international collaboration, and scientific advancements in tackling infectious diseases. As more countries join the malaria-free list, the world moves closer to the ultimate goal—global malaria eradication.

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