Washington, DC, November 15, 2024 (PAHO) – The Huetar Norte Region of Costa Rica was recognized today with the Malaria Champions 2024 award, an initiative that highlights efforts with proven evidence in the control and elimination of malaria in the Americas.
The announcement was made during an event organized by PAHO within the framework of Malaria Day in the Americas. At the meeting, the initiative partners recognized the work of communities and public health entities in reducing malaria and their contribution to improving access to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
In a message Recorded on the occasion of Malaria Day, celebrated on November 6, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said: “In areas where malaria is endemic, health services and affected communities can be part of the solution through collective action and alliances between the State and the main stakeholders, so that we can ensure that malaria treatment is available to the population without any type of barriers.”
Costa Rica obtained the award in recognition of the reduction in indigenous cases that the Huetar Norte Region has experienced in recent years. Cases decreased from 378 in 2022 to 128 in 2023 and, as of the first days of October 2024, only eight cases were reported, representing significant progress towards the elimination of indigenous malaria transmission.
This achievement is due to the implementation of various strategies, among which passive surveillance in health services stands out, that is, the early identification of malaria cases through rapid detection tests (RDTs); the active participation of volunteer collaborators; active and passive surveillance on farms and mining areas, which ensures immediate attention to cases in the workplace. These measures were complemented with a massive medication administration intervention in selected locations.
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 experiences throughout the region have been recognized with this award.
Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by the parasite Plasmodiumwhich is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito Anopheles infected female. Symptoms include fever, headache and chills, which may be mild. If left untreated, malaria can progress to serious illness and even death.
To reduce malaria transmission, PAHO calls on countries to intensify efforts aimed at eliminating malaria in the Americas and expanding access to diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Malaria is among the more than 30 diseases and related conditions that seek to be eliminated by 2030 as part of the Communicable Disease Elimination Initiative led by PAHO in the region.
