PAHO urges expanded access to malaria diagnosis and treatment to accelerate elimination in the Americas – PAHO/WHO

Washington, DC, April 25, 2025 (PAHO) – On World Malaria Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) calls countries to strengthen efforts and revitalize strategies to accelerate progress towards the elimination of malaria in the region of the Americas.

Although the countries of the region have progressed significantly in the fight against malaria, the most recent data show a stagnation in reducing cases. In 2023, a total of 505,600 cases of malaria were reported in the Americas, of 92% of which occurred in South America. Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia represented 80% of all cases, and the latter reported the largest number of infections due to Plasmodium falciparum.

In some high -load areas, such as Amazonian territories in South America and communities in Haiti, the affected population faces barriers to access adequate diagnosis and treatment. Dispersed indigenous communities, the high mobility of populations involved in extractive activities such as gold mining, and security challenges are among the obstacles to the elimination of malaria.

Indigenous peoples continue to be disproportionately affected. In 2023, they represented 31% of all cases of malaria and 41% of all deaths related to malaria in the region. This underlines the urgency of addressing structural barriers that prevent access to timely diagnosis and treatment.

«To address this situation, a transformative change is needed to guarantee access to the diagnosis and treatment of malaria in all areas where transmission occurs, without geographical, cultural, legal or financial barriers,» said Dr. Sylvain Aldightieri, director of the Department of Prevention, Control and Elimination of Communicable Diseases in Pah.

Community commitment is essential to eliminate malaria in the Americas. This includes the active participation of community leaders and health workers trained to perform rapid diagnostic tests, provide treatment and maintain constant services in difficult access areas.

«These efforts require a strong political will, governance of several levels, regulatory changes and the establishment of new associations, especially with the affected communities,» he added.

Despite continuous challenges, the region has achieved important milestones. Since 2018, four countries in the Americas have been certified without malaria: Paraguay, Argentina, El Salvador and Belize. In 2024, Surinam marked three years without local transmission, and countries such as Costa Rica, Mexico and Ecuador reported significant progress towards transmission interruption.

Within the framework of the disease elimination initiative, the PAHO continues to support the countries of the Americas to maintain the achievements and promote associations with communities, sectors and partners affected in each country to eliminate malaria. The elimination of malaria can be achieved through a better use of available tools and promoting the necessary changes in strategies.

Malaria is an acute febrile disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms, including fever, headache and chills, can be soft. If not, malaria can progress to a serious illness and even death.