Cape Verde has just been declared malaria-free for the first time in 50 years.
The sub-saharan country was given the status by the World Health Organization, –WHO, as it has not reported any case of local transmission in three years.
Experts have described this as an important achievement as malaria is a major killer on the continent.
In 2022, 580,000 people in Africa lost their lives from the disease, amounting to 95% of fatalities globally.
The malarial disease is caused by a complex parasite which is spread by mosquito bites.
Vaccines are currently being used in some places but monitoring the disease and avoiding mosquito bites are the most effectual ways to prevent malaria.
Cape Verde, a small island nation situated off the coast of West Africa,. Reports have revealed that it took years to reach this point by bolstering its health systems and improving access to diagnosis and treatment of all cases.
Surveillance officers have as well, succeeded in detecting cases early, as well as curbing mosquitoes.
Cape Verde’s plan for malaria control had also included free care and diagnostic services for international travellers and refugees, with the sole purpose of stemming the tide of cases imported from mainland Africa.
Health experts say Cape Verde’s achievement highlights a big example for other small nations on the continent to follow. Cape Verde has shown that containment and elimination policies can work extremely well.
