Georgia Declared Malaria-Free by WHO: A Historic Milestone in Global Health
Georgia Declared Malaria-Free by WHO: A Historic Milestone in Global Health
Published: January 2025
In a groundbreaking achievement for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Georgia as malaria-free. This milestone marks the culmination of nearly a century of relentless efforts to eliminate malaria from the country, positioning Georgia among 45 nations and one territory that have successfully eradicated indigenous malaria transmission.
A Testament to Commitment and Collaboration
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Georgia on its dedication and resilience. “Today we celebrate the people of Georgia for their sustained actions in eliminating malaria, one of the world’s most persistent health threats. This accomplishment reinforces our hope that a malaria-free world is within reach,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasized the broader significance of Georgia’s success: “This achievement moves the WHO European Region one step closer to becoming the first malaria-free region in the world. It is a testament to sustained investment, a dedicated healthcare workforce, and targeted efforts in malaria prevention, early detection, and treatment.”
The Journey to Eradication
Malaria has long been a challenge for Georgia. Before the implementation of systematic control measures in the early 1900s, three malaria parasite species—Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium vivax—were endemic in the country. In the 1920s, nearly 30% of Georgia’s population suffered from P. vivax malaria.
By 1940, large-scale mosquito control programs significantly reduced malaria cases through improved access to diagnostics and treatment. However, World War II led to a resurgence due to population displacement and increased strain on healthcare systems.
Post-war, Georgia launched an aggressive malaria elimination program, incorporating innovative treatments, insecticide spraying, and rigorous entomological surveillance. This led to the interruption of P. falciparum transmission by 1953, P. malariae by 1960, and P. vivax by 1970.
Despite remaining malaria-free for 25 years, Georgia experienced a resurgence in 2002, with 474 cases reported. This prompted a renewed commitment to eliminating the disease once and for all.
Renewed Efforts and Certification
In 2005, Georgia reaffirmed its pledge to eradicate malaria by signing the Tashkent Declaration alongside nine other WHO European Region countries. This commitment led to intensified interventions, significantly reducing malaria incidence. The last indigenous case in Georgia was recorded in 2009, and by 2015, all 53 WHO European Region countries, including Georgia, reported zero indigenous cases.
To maintain this status, Georgia, along with other signatories, issued the Ashgabat Statement in 2017, reinforcing their commitment to remaining malaria-free. Türkiye remains the only country in the WHO European Region awaiting certification.
During Georgia’s 2024 malaria-free certification process, WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification highlighted the country’s robust healthcare infrastructure, strong public-private partnerships, and unwavering political commitment to sustaining malaria-free status.
The WHO Malaria-Free Certification Process
The WHO malaria-free certification is awarded to countries that demonstrate the complete interruption of indigenous malaria transmission for at least three consecutive years. The final decision is made by the WHO Director-General, based on recommendations from the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification, with validation from the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.
Georgia’s certification not only recognizes its success but also serves as an inspiration for other nations striving to eliminate malaria. By maintaining vigilance and proactive healthcare strategies, Georgia ensures its legacy as a global leader in disease eradication.
For more details on WHO’s malaria-free certification process, visit the WHO website.