Egypt's Health Ministry announced the country remains malaria-free for a second consecutive year on World Malaria Day. Officials emphasized ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts amid climate challenges.
Egypt's Health Ministry confirmed the country retains its official malaria-free certification for a second year, making it the 10th globally, in alignment with the World Health Organization's 2016-2030 malaria strategy.
Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated the achievement reflects effective science-based planning supported by strong political commitment, with efforts continuing to protect public health. Deputy Health Minister Amr Kandil noted Egypt is implementing an integrated plan to bolster epidemiological and vector surveillance systems, particularly amid climate-related challenges affecting disease transmission, aligned with WHO targets to cut malaria incidence and mortality by at least 90%.
Radi Hammad, head of preventive medicine, reported over 58,000 samples tested negative under the national surveillance system. Authorities investigated 244 imported cases and screened more than 6,500 contacts, finding no local transmission.
The ministry tested around 19,000 blood samples for filariasis with no infections recorded. Amani El-Habashi, head of tropical diseases, said programs for schistosomiasis and intestinal parasites tested over two million samples, treating positives immediately. Preventive campaigns reached more than 90,000 fishermen and families across 14 governorates with 96% coverage, while early detection for trachoma screened over 814,000 individuals, providing treatment to those infected.