Georgia Celebrates Historic Milestone as WHO Certifies Country Malaria-Free
Georgia has achieved a monumental public health victory, becoming the latest country to be certified malaria-free by the world Health Organization (WHO). This certification marks the culmination of nearly a century of relentless efforts to combat one of the world’s most persistent adn deadly diseases. With this achievement, Georgia joins the ranks of 45 countries and one territory that have successfully eliminated malaria.
“today we would like to congratulate the people of Georgia for their focused and sustained efforts over decades to eliminate malaria, one of the leading causes of death worldwide,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “georgia’s determination and success give us hope that a world without malaria is absolutely possible.”
A Century-Long Battle Against Malaria
Malaria has plagued Georgia since ancient times. In the early 1900s, before systematic control efforts began, at least three species of malaria parasites—P. falciparum, P. malariae, and P. vivax—were endemic in the country. By the 1920s, an estimated 30% of the population suffered from P. vivax malaria.
The tide began to turn in the 1940s, thanks to large-scale mosquito control programs and improved access to diagnostic and treatment services. Though, World War II disrupted progress, leading to a resurgence of the disease due to population movements and strained healthcare systems.
After the war, Georgia launched an intensive malaria elimination program, employing new drugs, insecticide spraying, and rigorous entomological surveillance. This campaign successfully interrupted the transmission of P. falciparum in 1953, P. malariae in 1960, and P. vivax in 1970. The country remained malaria-free for 25 years until a resurgence in 2002, when 474 cases were reported.
Renewed Commitment to Elimination
In 2005, Georgia, along with nine other countries in the WHO European Region, signed the Tashkent Declaration, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating malaria. This renewed effort led to a important decline in malaria cases, with the last indigenous case recorded in 2009. By 2015, all 53 countries in the WHO European Region, including Georgia, reported zero indigenous malaria cases.
to sustain this progress, the original signatories of the Tashkent Declaration published the Ashgabat Declaration in 2017, pledging to maintain malaria elimination. Today, Türkiye remains the only country in the WHO European Region yet to be certified malaria-free.
WHO Certification Process
WHO certification of malaria elimination is a rigorous process. It requires evidence that the indigenous chain of transmission has been interrupted for at least three consecutive years. In 2024,the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification observed that Georgia has an efficient health system,strong public-private cooperation,and unwavering political will to maintain its malaria-free status.
“This is a major step forward that deserves to be welcomed,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional Director for Europe.“Georgia’s achievement brings the WHO European Region one step closer to being certified as the first malaria-free Region in the world.”
Key Milestones in Georgia’s Malaria Elimination Journey
| Year | Milestone |
|———-|—————|
| 1920s | 30% of the population suffers from P. vivax malaria |
| 1940s | Large-scale mosquito control programs reduce cases |
| 1953 | Transmission of P. falciparum interrupted |
| 1960 | Transmission of P.malariae interrupted |
| 1970 | Transmission of P. vivax interrupted |
| 2002 | Malaria resurges with 474 cases reported |
| 2009 | Last indigenous case recorded |
| 2015 | All WHO European Region countries report zero indigenous cases |
| 2024 | WHO certifies Georgia as malaria-free |
A Testament to Georgia’s Health System
Georgia’s Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, emphasized that this certification is a testament to the strength of the national health system. “This achievement shows that Georgia is able to meet significant health challenges,” he said.
As Georgia celebrates this historic milestone, its success serves as a beacon of hope for other nations striving to eliminate malaria. With continued commitment and collaboration,a malaria-free world is within reach.
For more data on the WHO malaria elimination certification process, visit this link.