The World Health Organization (WHO) has presented a special citation to Sri Lanka for maintaining its malaria-free status and sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for 10 consecutive years.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the citation to Health and Mass Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa during the 79th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free by the WHO in 2016 and has since maintained the status by preventing the reintroduction and spread of the disease.
Sri Lanka became the second country in the WHO South-East Asia Region, after the Maldives, to achieve malaria elimination, according to the WHO.
The country has also maintained the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for a decade, supported by continued nationwide tetanus immunisation for pregnant women.
The WHO attributed Sri Lanka’s sustained achievements to its primary healthcare system, national commitment, high immunisation coverage and disease surveillance and control mechanisms.
The organisation said the achievements have contributed to protecting the health of Sri Lankan people and supporting a healthier future for coming generations. (Newswire)