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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