(CNN) Malaria has been eliminated from Algeria and Argentina, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday, an important milestone in fighting the mosquito-borne disease.

WHO said there were now 38 countries and territories that have been declared free of the disease, which has been making a comeback globally.

"Algeria has shown the rest of Africa that malaria can be beaten through country leadership, bold action, sound investment and science. The rest of the continent can learn from this experience," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa.

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is both preventable and treatable.

In 2017 there were an estimated 219 million cases and more than 400,000 malaria-related deaths worldwide, according to the WHO.

Read More