World powers, China has been certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), following a 70-year effort to eradicate the mosquito-borne disease.
The country reported 30 million cases of infectious disease annually in the 1940s but has now gone four consecutive years without an indigenous case.
“We congratulate the people of China on ridding the country of malaria,” said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
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‘Their success was hard-earned and came only after decades of targeted and sustained action. With this announcement, China joins the growing number of countries that are showing the world that a malaria-free future is a viable goal.’
Countries that have achieved at least three consecutive years of zero indigenous cases can apply for WHO certification of their malaria-free status. They must present rigorous evidence — and demonstrate the capacity to prevent transmission re-emerging.
Beijing, which is in the middle of a propaganda push ahead of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Communist Party this week, hailed the WHO’s certification as a ‘great achievement for China’s human rights cause‘.
‘The CCP and the Chinese government have always prioritised safeguarding people’s health, safety, and prosperity,’ said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a routine briefing in Beijing.
‘Eliminating malaria is a great contribution by China to human health and global human rights progress.’
China becomes the 40th territory certified malaria-free by the Geneva-based WHO.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK