Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo Verde as a malaria-free country, becoming the third country to acquire the status in the African region.
Cabo Verde Attains WHO Malaria-Free Certification, Joining Mauritius and Algeria
- Cabo Verde has joined Mauritius and Algeria, certified in 1973 and 2019, respectively.
- Till now, WHO has awarded the ‘malaria-free’ certification to 43 countries and 1 territory.
- Malaria burden is the highest on the African continent, which accounted for approximately 95% of global malaria cases and 96% of related deaths in 2021.
Cabo Verde: Island Oasis in the Atlantic with a Rich Volcanic Landscape
- Cabo Verde: Also known as Cape Verde, it comprises a group of islands around 620 km off the west coast of Africa.
- It comprises a group of ten volcanic islands, which are divided into the Barlavento (windward) and Sotavento (leeward) groups.
- Location: It is located in the central Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa near Senegal, the nearest point on the African continent.
- Capital: Praia in Santiago.
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Westernmost Cape: Cabo Verde is named for the westernmost cape of Africa.
- The term cape refers to a large, narrow, elevated landform that extends into a body of water, such as an ocean, river, or lake.
Additional Information: World Malaria Report 2023: By WHO
News Source: DTE