On Jan. 23, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that following a nearly century-long effort, Georgia has been certified malaria-free. With this announcement, Georgia joins the ranks of 45 countries and 1 territory that have achieved this milestone. The U.S. was certified malaria-free in 1970.

Malaria is a serious, mosquito-borne disease that can be life threatening. It’s caused by a parasite that infects red blood cells and is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is mostly found in tropical countries. It is preventable and curable. The infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person. Symptoms can be mild or life-threatening.

The WHO Global Malaria Programme (GMP) is responsible for coordinating WHO’s global efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Its work is guided by the “Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030” adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2015 and updated in 2021.