The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified Georgia as malaria-free, marking the culmination of nearly a century-long effort to eliminate the disease within its borders. This achievement makes Georgia the latest addition to the list of 45 countries and one territory recognised by WHO for eradicating malaria.  

In the post-war period, Georgia launched an intensive programme aimed at eliminating malaria, utilising newer medicines, insecticide spraying, and robust entomological surveillance. The campaign successfully interrupted the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum by 1953, P. malariae by 1960, and P. vivax by 1970.  

However, after remaining malaria-free for 25 years, the disease reemerged in 2002, with 474 reported cases. Renewed commitments to malaria control and elimination enabled the country to halt transmission once again.  

As of January 2025, a total of 45 countries and one territory have been certified as malaria-free by WHO.   

Postdoctoral Researcher and Malaria Centre Co-Director Dr Eniyou Cheryll Oriero said: “This is a progressive step towards global malaria eradication. While bespoke interventions may be necessary for specific endemic countries, lessons learnt from countries like Georgia will be critical to designing and implementing local interventions.” 

Associate Professor and Malaria Centre Co-Director Dr Michael Delves said: “Georgia’s journey to malaria elimination demonstrates that setbacks can be overcome, but it takes renewed efforts, sustained political commitment, strong health systems and strategic interventions.” 

Clinical Associate Professor and Malaria Centre Co-Director  Dr Bhargavi Rao said: “This demonstrates the impact of regional coordination including the intensification of malaria control following the Tashkent declaration. Elimination cannot occur in isolation, however.  Georgia’s achievement represents decades of sustained investment in its health systems from workforce to surveillance to successfully combat one of the world’s leading killers.

“Georgia’s certification underscores the effectiveness of sustained public health initiatives and international collaboration in combating malaria. This milestone will serve as an inspiration for other nations striving toward malaria elimination.”