WHO’s goal to eliminate malaria by 2030 difficult but achievable

Some facts on progress in eliminating the deadly disease

An international goal to eliminate malaria in parts of the world by 2030 is ambitious but “achievable”, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday - World Malaria Day.

Malaria is a life threatening disease that is transmitted by bites of infected mosquitoes. It is curable and preventable. (Shutterstock)

Last year, world leaders set the target for eliminating the mosquito-borne disease in at least 35 countries by 2030. WHO’s European region - which comprises 53 countries including Central Asia, Israel and Turkey - in 2015 became the first region to report zero indigenous cases.

WHO can declare a country malaria free if it has reported zero cases of indigenous malaria for three consecutive years. The Geneva-based organisation said 21 countries are in a position to eliminate malaria within the next five years.

Here are some facts on progress in eliminating the deadly disease:

Source: WHO