After nearly a century of efforts, Georgia has been certified as a malaria-free country by the World Health Organization (WHO). So far, 45 countries and 1 region around the world have achieved this goal. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said: "I congratulate the people of Georgia on their successful elimination of malaria through decades of continuous efforts. Georgias achievement gives us hope for a malaria-free world." Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: "This is a memorable major milestone; with Georgias achievement, the WHO European Region is one step closer to becoming the worlds first malaria-free region. This did not come out of nowhere, but benefited from continuous investment, the dedication of health workers, and targeted efforts in the prevention, early detection and effective treatment of all malaria cases." When a country can undoubtedly prove that its local transmission chain has been continuously interrupted nationwide for at least three years, the World Health Organization will award it the malaria elimination certification.