The 25 countries that could beat malaria by 2025

ABSTRACT

Speed read WHO draws list of 25 countries targeting malaria elimination by 2025 Eight countries were certified malaria-free last year despite COVID-19 But disruptions to health services during the pandemic could threaten progress The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has identified 25 countries with the potential to stamp out malaria in the next five years, despite the added burden of COVID-19 and antimalarial drug resistance. “No matter what burden of malaria you have in your country, there’s a path that can be walked and the end stage of that path will be eliminating malaria,” Pedro Alonso, director, WHO Global Malaria Programme Last year alone eight countries reported zero indigenous cases of malaria, “a remarkable achievement in view of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic,” the report says. About one third of countries around the world reported disruptions in malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment services during the first quarter of 2021, a survey by the organisation found, while lockdowns and restrictions on movement led to delays in the delivery of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and indoor insecticide spraying campaigns.