This is why WHO has declared Cape Verde malaria-free country 

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Cape Verde, a West African archipelago comprising nine islands, malaria-free. 

The international body certified this milestone during a live ceremony on Friday, attended by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva of Cape Verde expressed his joy at the landmark, emphasizing the significance for a nation where tourism is the primary economic activity. 

Silva stated, “The elimination of malaria is the elimination of a constraint on mobility, the elimination of a perception, and the reinforcement of sanitary confidence.“

Cape Verde’s accomplishment marks a historic moment, as it becomes only the third country in the African region to achieve the elimination status of malaria, following in the footsteps of Mauritius and Algeria. This success holds particular importance for a continent where Africa, according to the WHO, bears a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. 

In the year 2022, the region accounted for a staggering 94% of malaria cases, totaling 233 million, and 95% of malaria deaths, amounting to 580,000. Cape Verde’s journey to malaria-free status serves as a beacon of hope and progress in the ongoing global efforts to combat and eliminate this widespread and devastating disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) works to promote international public health. It addresses global health issues, provides health guidelines, and coordinates responses to outbreaks and emergencies. Additionally, WHO focuses on healthcare system strengthening and disease prevention worldwide.