Success in the fight against malaria

In 2025, three countries – Georgia, Timor-Leste and Suriname – were declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). Suriname became the first country in the Amazon region to join the list of now 47 countries which, according to the WHO, are free of the disease.

WHO officials credited the three countries for their resolute action against the disease, including early detection and treatment, community engagement and efforts to prevent its spread. However, maintaining this status requires ongoing efforts to prevent the reintroduction of malaria.

In addition to those already mentioned, the countries that have been declared malaria-free by the WHO since 2020 include Cabo Verde, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Belize, El Salvador, and China. Countries that have had no indigenous cases for at least three consecutive years can apply to the WHO for certification as malaria-free.

We regularly update you on more positive developments in our Good News section.

The D+C editorial team
euz.editor@dandc.eu