Malaria in Greece: From Ancient Scourge to Eradication.

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.