Washington, DC, November 3, 2023 (PAHO) – The Dominican Republic, Belize and Suriname, as well as the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and the Brazilian city of Manaus, were today awarded the 2023 Malaria Champions of the Pan American Organization (PAHO) of the Americas for its sustained actions towards the elimination of malaria in the Region.
The awards were presented at an event to celebrate Malaria Day in the Americas, which takes place on November 6. During the meeting, PAHO and its partners recognized the national and subnational efforts of these countries, as well as the impact the projects have had in addressing malaria and improving the health of their populations.
«Despite the important challenges that still remain to eliminate malaria in the Americas, we also have successful experiences such as the projects awarded today, which help position us as one of the regions that is making the most progress towards the elimination of this disease globally. «said PAHO. Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.
The Dominican Republic was recognized for its efforts to interrupt malaria transmission by 2022 in Los Tres Brazos, the main urban focus of the disease in recent years. Belize was honored for its continued efforts to eliminate malaria, achieving WHO certification as a malaria-free country in 2023. Suriname was awarded for being the first Amazonian country to report zero cases of malaria for one year.
The state of Quintana Roo (Mexico) was also recognized for its efforts to interrupt the transmission of malaria and prevent the reestablishment of the disease in a context of high population mobility. The municipality of Manaus (Brazil) distinguished itself for its intensified surveillance initiatives to interrupt the transmission of P. falciparum.
«These actions are best practices that can inspire other countries, decision makers and stakeholders, to achieve the goal of eliminating malaria throughout the region. We invite everyone to join forces against this potentially deadly disease, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations living in areas with limited access to health services,» added Dr. Barbosa.
Malaria Champions is a collaborative effort between PAHO, the United Nations Foundation, the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, the Center for Communication Programs at Johns Hopkins University, the International University of Florida and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Health.
Since 2009, more than 40 projects throughout the region have been recognized with this award.
Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It is common in tropical regions and its symptoms can vary from mild, such as fever and headache, to severe forms with the risk of death.
To combat this disease, PAHO has highlighted the importance of countries and their partners prioritizing actions to improve access to diagnosis and treatment, addressing the barriers that affected communities, such as rural and mobile populations, may face.
Malaria is among the more than 30 diseases targeted for elimination as part of PAHO’s Communicable Disease Elimination Initiative 2030.
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