WHO certifies that Algeria and Argentina are free of malaria – New Delhi Times

The World Health Organization has certified Algeria and Argentina free of malaria after three consecutive years without any new cases of the deadly disease being reported.

The malaria parasite, which kills more than 400,000 people each year, was discovered in 1880 in Algeria. Most of the victims are children under five in Africa.

According to the World Health Organization, Algeria is the second country in Africa to be recognized as free from malaria after Mauritius, certified in 1973. Argentina is the second largest country in the world. South America, after Paraguay, to be declared free of malaria.

A combination of many factors made the achievements possible, according to WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib.

"This is very good news for Algeria and Argentina, but also for both continents and the world," Chaib told VOA. "It means that malaria can be defeated. But efforts must be continued because we also need to strengthen surveillance to detect whether cases of malaria are still present in the country. "

According to WHO, both countries have eliminated malaria by using a number of proven baseline measures, including insecticide-treated mosquito nets. Both countries improved surveillance, which allowed them to quickly identify and treat new cases of malaria. In addition, both countries provided free diagnosis and treatment within their borders.

According to WHO, in the case of Argentina, cross-border collaboration with its neighbor, Bolivia, was essential to fight the disease. The two countries have partnered to spray more than 22,000 homes in border areas and carry out extensive malaria testing.

The WHO said Algeria's and Argentina's unwavering commitment, perseverance and success in the fight against malaria should serve as a model for other countries.

Algeria and Argentina have managed to get rid of the deadly malaria parasite without benefiting from a vaccine. Health officials hope that this task will become easier with the recent launch of the first promising vaccine against malaria in Ghana and Malawi.

Credit: Voice of America (VOA)