Historic Health Achievement in Africa : Egypt Certified Malaria-Free by WHO

A new era has dawned for Egypt. After centuries of struggle, the country has been officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This announcement marks a major turning point in the country’s health history and is a source of inspiration for the world.

Present in Egypt since ancient times, malaria has long been a scourge. Even pharaohs were said to have suffered from it. But thanks to decades of sustained efforts by the government and the people, the disease has been eradicated.

“This is a historic victory,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. “Egypt shows that it is possible to overcome diseases as old and stubborn as malaria, as long as the right strategies are put in place and all energies are mobilized.”

Egypt becomes the third country in the Eastern Mediterranean region to eliminate malaria, after the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. This success is the result of a comprehensive strategy that focused on: Prevention: Fighting mosquito vectors, including through the construction of barriers and awareness campaigns. Early detection: A surveillance network was set up to quickly detect malaria cases. Free treatment: All Egyptians, regardless of their situation, have access to free malaria treatment. International cooperation: Strong partnerships with neighboring countries, particularly Sudan, were essential in preventing the reintroduction of the disease.

While this victory is celebrated, it does not mark the end of efforts. Egypt will need to maintain constant vigilance to prevent any resurgence of malaria. Rigorous surveillance systems will be put in place to quickly detect any new cases.

The Egyptian example is a source of hope for the many countries still struggling with malaria. It shows that eradicating the disease is an achievable goal, provided the necessary means and political will are in place.

Gabon

Unprecedented Census to Better Support People with Disabilities

Libreville, October 18, 2024 – The Gabonese transitional government has taken a new step in its inclusion policy by deciding to organize a national workshop to present the results of the census of people living with disabilities (PLWD). The census, conducted between December 2023 and March 2024, provided a precise picture of the situation of people with disabilities in Gabon.

Revealing Figures

The results of the study, made public by Prime Minister Raymond Ndong Sima, are eloquent. Over 15,967 people living with disabilities were counted across the country. Among them, 4,347 are under the age of 18. These data, collected through the commitment of teams deployed in the nine provinces of Gabon, will enable the adaptation of public policies and improvement of support for people with disabilities.

A Step Towards Inclusion

This initiative, supported by UNICEF, testifies to the transitional government’s willingness to make the inclusion of people with disabilities a priority. The national workshop, which will take place soon, will share these results with civil society actors, organizations of people with disabilities, and technical and financial partners.

The objectives of the workshop are multiple:  Better understanding of needs: Analyze the collected data to identify the specific needs of people with disabilities. Development of adapted policies: Implement concrete measures to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Strengthening partnerships: Foster close collaboration between actors involved in supporting people with disabilities.

This census is a major step forward for Gabon. It provides reliable and up-to-date data on the situation of people with disabilities, which is essential for implementing effective public policies. Based on these results, the government will be able to better respond to the needs of this population and promote their full inclusion in society.

Charone Ndogmo/ GabonMédiatim

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