India, Jan. 27 -- After nearly a century-long battle, Georgia has officially been certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). With this certification, Georgia joins 45 other countries and one territory that have reached this milestone, underscoring the global progress towards malaria elimination.

Malaria has been a persistent challenge in Georgia for centuries. Before the 20th century, at least three species of the malaria parasite - Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium vivax - were endemic in the region. In the 1920s, an estimated 30 per cent6 of Georgia's population suffered from malaria, with the P vivax species being particularly prevalent.

Turkey now remains the only country in the WHO Eur...