The World Health Organization has certified Egypt as a "malaria-free" country, a major public health milestone for a country with over 100 million people. This achievement is the result of nearly a century of relentless efforts by the Egyptian government and people to eliminate this ancient disease. "Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that tormented the pharaohs now belongs to Egypts history, not its future," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Egypts certification as malaria-free is truly historic, demonstrating the commitment of the Egyptian people and government to eliminate this ancient scourge. I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration for other countries in the region and shows what can be achieved with the right resources and tools." Egypt is the third country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to receive malaria-free certification, after the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first in the region to be certified since 2010. Globally, a total of 44 countries and 1 territory have achieved this goal.