After nearly a century of concerted efforts, Georgia has officially been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
With this achievement, the country joins 45 others and one territory that have successfully eradicated the deadly disease.
“Today we congratulate the people of Georgia for their decades of sustained efforts to eliminate malaria, one of the world’s leading killers,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement on Thursday. “Georgia’s success provides hope that a malaria-free world is possible.”
Georgia’s victory over malaria is particularly significant as the WHO European Region nears its goal of becoming the first malaria-free region globally. “This is a huge milestone,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe. “It’s thanks to targeted efforts in prevention, early detection, and effective treatment, alongside sustained investment and the dedication of health workers.”
The country’s path to elimination began in the early 1900s when malaria was endemic, and large-scale control measures significantly reduced cases by the 1940s. However, malaria resurged during World War II, only to be effectively addressed through intensified control programs in the post-war years. By 2009, Georgia recorded its last indigenous case.
Health Minister, Mikheil Sarjveladze called the certification a recognition of Georgia’s robust healthcare system, adding, “This success shows Georgia is capable of tackling major health challenges.” With Georgia’s achievement, only Türkiye remains in the European Region yet to be certified malaria-free.
