Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), praised Georgia’s efforts, stating: “Georgia’s commitment and success gives us hope that a malaria-free world is possible.” This recognition followed WHO’s official announcement granting Georgia malaria-free status.

According to the WHO, Georgia implemented deliberate and sustained measures to eliminate malaria, joining 45 countries and one territory worldwide that have reached this significant milestone and earned malaria-free certification.

“This is a huge milestone worth marking; with Georgia’s achievement, the WHO European Region is another step closer to initiate certification as the first malaria-free region in the world,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “This doesn’t happen in a vacuum, this was made possible thanks to sustained investment, dedication of the health workforce and targeted efforts in prevention, early detection and effective treatment of all malaria cases.”

Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

The Minister of Health, Mikheil Sarjveladze, noted that certifying Georgia as malaria-free is a recognition of the sustainability of its healthcare system, “this success means that Georgia can address important health challenges.”