Cabo Verde, a picturesque archipelago comprising 10 islands in the Central Atlantic Ocean, has achieved a historic milestone in global health. The World Health Organization (WHO) today officially certified Cabo Verde as a malaria-free country, making it the third African nation, after Mauritius and Algeria, to achieve this prestigious status.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the commitment and resilience of the government and people of Cabo Verde, emphasizing the significance of strategic public health planning and collaboration. Cabo Verde’s success is seen as a beacon of hope in the broader efforts to create a malaria-free world.
The certification not only signifies the interruption of indigenous malaria transmission but also reflects Cabo Verde’s strengthened health system. The infrastructure developed for malaria elimination will now be repurposed to combat other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. This, in turn, is expected to boost tourism, a sector contributing approximately 25% to the country’s GDP.
Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, highlighted the positive impact of the certification on the country’s external image, acknowledging the recognition of the challenges overcome in the health system. He stated, “The challenge that Cabo Verde has overcome in the health system is being recognized.”
Cabo Verde’s journey to malaria elimination faced challenges, but targeted interventions, including insecticide spraying, led to the country eliminating malaria twice before lapses in vector control. Since 2017, the islands of Santiago and Boa Vista, which were the last affected, have been declared malaria-free.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, praised Cabo Verde’s achievement as an inspiring example for other nations. The long journey to elimination was fortified by strong political will, effective policies, community engagement, and multisectoral collaboration.
Cabo Verde, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, has dedicatedly pursued the goal of eliminating malaria, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country focused on improving vector control, malaria diagnosis, and surveillance efforts, safeguarding the progress made.
A strategic malaria plan, implemented since 2009, laid the groundwork for success, emphasizing expanded diagnosis, early treatment, and the reporting of all cases. Collaboration between various government departments and community-based organizations played a pivotal role.
As Cabo Verde celebrates this monumental achievement, the global community applauds its leaders, healthcare professionals, and citizens for their unwavering dedication to creating a healthier future for all.