The island nation of Cape Verde off Africa’s Atlantic coast has defeated malaria. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the country malaria-free on Friday.
To do this, a government must demonstrate that there have been no local infections for at least three years and that a good surveillance system can prevent the return of malaria.
The malaria parasite is transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The disease can be life-threatening. According to information from the WHO, in 2022 there were an estimated 249 million infections and more than 600,000 deaths in about 85 countries around the world, mainly in Africa.
There, 80 percent of deaths involve children under the age of five. The most effective means of protection against infections are mosquito repellents and mosquito nets for sleeping areas. Breeding options, such as standing water in bowls or saucers, should be eliminated. (sda/dpa)
source: watson
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