The World Health Organization has certified Cape Verde as malaria-free, hailing the development as a significant milestone in the fight against the disease. But much remains to be done. The news that Cape Verde is malaria-free was received with great joy. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva said the "historic moment" called for celebration — and not just because of the positive impact on the health of the population. 

"In a country where tourism is a main source of revenue, the elimination of malaria also eliminates constraints on mobility" and could potentially attract more visitors, he said.

Cape Verde, an archipelago of 10 islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, faced severe epidemics in densely populated areas before it implemented targeted interventions. It has become the third African nation to be declared malaria-free, after Mauritius and Algeria.