Cape Verde, a picturesque archipelago comprising 10 islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, has successfully eliminated malaria, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prior to the implementation of targeted interventions, Cape Verde experienced severe malaria epidemics in densely populated areas. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed hope, stating, “(It) gives us hope that with existing tools, as well as new ones, including vaccines, we can dare to dream of a malaria-free world.”
In the African region heavily affected by malaria, Cape Verde has become the third country, following Mauritius and Algeria, to achieve the elimination of this mosquito-borne disease, earning certification from the WHO.
Cape Verde now joins the prestigious list of 43 countries and one territory certified by the WHO for malaria elimination. The organization’s certification is granted when a country demonstrates no locally transmitted cases of malaria for at least the past three years.
The WHO certification not only signifies a significant public health achievement but also holds the potential to attract more visitors and boost socio-economic activities. Tourism, which accounts for approximately 25% of Cape Verde’s GDP, is expected to benefit from this achievement.
The successful elimination of malaria reflects the effectiveness of Cape Verde’s targeted interventions and serves as an inspiring example for other regions aiming to combat this infectious disease.
