Saudi Arabia is free of native malaria: 7,000 imported cases were detected in 2024
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved a significant milestone in health security and epidemic control in 2024, with the Ministry of Health officially declaring the Kingdom completely free of any "indigenous" malaria cases. This is the most important indicator for countries seeking World Health Organization certification of malaria eradication. This announcement is the culmination of intensive epidemiological surveillance efforts that covered all regions of the Kingdom.
Details of tests and epidemiological indicators
Detailed statistical data released by the Ministry revealed that its branches and laboratories conducted over 654,693 accurate laboratory tests during the year. The results showed that the overall malaria positivity rate did not exceed 1.07%, with 7,041 confirmed positive cases. It is worth noting that all these cases were classified epidemiologically, indicating the absence of any local transmission of the disease. The infections were limited to 6,850 imported cases and 191 cases classified as introduced cases.
Geographical distribution and monitoring centers
Monitoring reports showed variations in the geographical distribution of detected cases, reflecting the nature of border challenges and population density:
- Jazan region: It topped the list due to its geographical location, where medical teams conducted 149,244 tests, revealing 3,251 positive cases, with a positivity rate of about 2.17%.
- Asir region: ranked second with 869 cases out of 23,180 tests.
- Jeddah Governorate: It recorded the highest positivity rate, exceeding 5%, with 667 confirmed cases out of 13,300 tests, which is mostly attributed to the movement of travel and large delegations through the port and airport.
- Eastern Region: It presented a model for comprehensive surveying by examining 124,012 samples, with a very low prevalence rate that did not exceed 434 cases.
- Riyadh and other regions: The capital recorded 513 imported cases, while regions such as Al-Qurayyat and Al-Jawf maintained very low rates (4 and 15 cases respectively).
Medical classification and type of parasites
The Ministry of Health did not limit itself to numerical monitoring; its efforts also included a precise classification of the types of parasites causing the disease to ensure the provision of appropriate treatment protocols. Laboratory results revealed 3,798 cases of Plasmodium falciparum, the most medically dangerous type, compared to 2,876 cases of the less dangerous Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, in addition to 54 cases of Plasmodium poridiosis and 313 mixed cases.
The importance of achievement in the context of Vision 2030
Maintaining a record of zero native cases is a pivotal step within the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to achieve a vibrant, epidemic-free society. This achievement reflects the efficiency of disease vector control systems and the strength of the Kingdom’s health buffer against the re-emergence of disease, especially given the increasing travel and tourism. These figures underscore the Kingdom’s readiness to address cross-border health threats, while continuing to provide comprehensive medical care to imported cases according to the highest international standards.
