The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for South-East Asia has congratulated Sri Lanka for sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for 10 years and maintaining its malaria-free status for a decade.

In a citation dated September 8, the WHO commended the government for its continued commitment to protecting public health and maintaining key disease-elimination achievements.

The WHO said Sri Lanka's success in sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus for 10 years was supported by strong national commitment, high-quality immunization services and safe delivery practices across the country.

The achievement also contributes to the broader efforts of WHO Member States in sustaining the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus across the South-East Asia Region, the organization said.

Sri Lanka was also recognized for maintaining its malaria-free status for 10 years since receiving WHO certification in 2016. The WHO attributed the achievement to the country's sustained commitment to malaria elimination and continued vigilance to prevent the re-establishment of the disease.

The organization noted that Sri Lanka's success contributes significantly to regional efforts to maintain a malaria-free South-East Asia Region.

The WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia extended its congratulations to the Government of Sri Lanka, particularly the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, describing the two milestones as “remarkable public health successes.”

The citation was issued by Dr. Nilesh Buddha, the Officer-in-Charge of the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia.