The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the small African country of Cape Verde malaria-free.
Cape Verde has become the third country in Africa to achieve malaria-free status so far. Globally, it is the 43rd country to be free from the disease.
According to reports, the declaration of Cape Verde as malaria-free was accompanied by a ceremony to issue certificates, which were also presented to the Prime Minister of the African country.
In recent years, Cape Verde has successfully controlled malaria, along with other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, despite facing challenges. However, it has managed to control malaria to promote tourism.
In the last three years, there have been no reported cases of malaria in Cape Verde, leading to the declaration of malaria-free status.
Before Cape Verde, Mauritius was the first African country to be declared malaria-free in 1973, followed by Algeria in 2019.
Approximately 95% of reported malaria cases worldwide are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, where the highest number of deaths also occur. Asia ranks second, with the majority of malaria cases reported in the southern region, including countries like Pakistan.
The WHO has granted malaria-free status to over 43 countries, states, and regions across the world since 1953.