After nearly a century of effort, Georgia has been officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This milestone places Georgia among 45 countries and one territory that has achieved this distinction.
“Congratulations to the people of Georgia for their decades of sustained and targeted actions to eliminate malaria, one of the world’s deadliest diseases,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Georgia’s success inspires hope that a malaria-free world is within reach.”
“This is a significant achievement to celebrate. With Georgia’s accomplishment, the WHO European Region moves closer to becoming the first malaria-free region globally,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Such progress is not made in isolation but through sustained investments, dedicated health workers, and focused efforts on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of malaria cases.”
WHO awards certification of malaria elimination to countries that demonstrate, with clear evidence, the interruption of indigenous transmission for at least three consecutive years.
Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze emphasized that this certification highlights the resilience of Georgia’s healthcare system, stating, “This achievement signifies Georgia’s ability to tackle critical health challenges.”
