Why in the News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Egypt malaria-free, making it the second country this year to receive the recognition after Cabo Verde. Egypt is the fifth African nation to achieve this milestone and has demonstrated effective measures against malaria over the past century. It became the third country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to be malaria-free, following Morocco (2010) and UAE (2007). It implemented significant surveillance, vector control and environmental management strategies to curb malaria transmission.

Malaria

• It is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
• This parasite is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and South America.
• While Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for more deaths, Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread of all of the malaria species.
• Vaccines
  • RTS, S/AS01: The first malaria vaccine, recommended by WHO for children in high-risk regions.
    • In India, Bharat Biotech has been granted license to manufacture this vaccine.
  • R21/Matrix-M: A newer, promising vaccine, approved recently and offering higher efficacy.