COLOMBO, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka has marked 10 years since being certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), maintaining elimination of indigenous transmission of all human malaria parasites in the country.
The WHO South-East Asia Region recognized Sri Lanka for sustaining its malaria-free status since certification in 2016, citing continued national commitment and surveillance efforts aimed at preventing the re-establishment of the disease.
Sri Lanka was among several countries recognized on Tuesday during the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia.
The country was also among nine regional members recognized for sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for a decade following validation.
WHO said the achievements reflected sustained national commitment, effective health systems, surveillance and community engagement across the South-East Asia Region. ■