Malaria in Greece: From Ancient Scourge to Eradication

TL;DR

This paper reviews the history of malaria in Greece, from its ancient presence to eradication and recent re-emergence, highlighting lessons for global malaria control.

Contribution

The paper provides a detailed historical and epidemiological analysis of malaria in Greece, emphasizing the importance of sustained public health efforts for elimination and prevention of re-emergence.

Findings

Greece successfully eradicated malaria through coordinated public health strategies including vector control and surveillance.

Locally acquired malaria cases re-emerged in the early 21st century due to global mobility and competent vectors.

The Greek experience offers valuable insights for global malaria elimination and post-elimination strategies.

Abstract

Malaria has played a profound role in the historical, social, and public health development of Greece, from antiquity to the modern era. This narrative review examines the long-term trajectory of malaria in Greece, tracing its presence from early medical descriptions through periods of endemicity, the national eradication campaign, and the subsequent re-emergence of locally acquired cases in the early 21st century. The review highlights the multifaceted strategies that led to successful elimination, including vector control, antimalarial treatment, environmental interventions, and sustained surveillance systems. It also explores the factors that contributed to the temporary re-establishment of transmission following eradication, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of malaria-free regions in the context of global mobility and persistent competent vectors. Greece’s experience demonstrates that malaria elimination is achievable through coordinated, long-term public health efforts, but also underscores the necessity of continuous surveillance and rapid response capacity to prevent re-establishment of transmission. The lessons drawn from this historical and epidemiological experience remain highly relevant for contemporary malaria elimination and post-elimination strategies worldwide.