PAHO announces the 2023 Malaria Champions of the Americas

The awards were presented during an event commemorating Malaria Day in the Americas, which takes place on November 6 in North and South America. During the gathering, PAHO and its partners recognized the national and subnational efforts of these countries, as well as the impact that the projects have had in addressing malaria and improving the health of their populations.

"Despite the significant challenges that still exist in eradicating malaria in North and South America, we also have successful experiences like the projects being honored today, which help position us as one of the regions making the most progress in eradicating this disease globally," stated 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 distinguished for its ongoing efforts to eradicate malaria, achieving WHO certification as a malaria-free country in 2023. Suriname was awarded for being the first country in the Amazon region to report no malaria cases for a year.

The state of Quintana Roo (Mexico) was also acknowledged for its efforts to interrupt malaria transmission and prevent the reemergence of the disease in a context of high population mobility. The municipality of Manaus (Brazil) was recognized for its intensified surveillance initiatives to interrupt the transmission of P. falciparum.

"These actions are best practices that can inspire other countries, policymakers, and stakeholders to achieve the goal of eradicating malaria throughout the region. We invite everyone to join the efforts against this potentially deadly disease, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in areas with limited access to healthcare," added Dr. Barbosa.

The Malaria Champions is a collaboration between PAHO, the United Nations Foundation, the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University, the Center for Communication Programs at Johns Hopkins University, the Florida International University, and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Health.

Since 2009, more than 40 projects throughout the region have received 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. Malaria is common in tropical areas, and symptoms can range from mild, such as fever and headache, to severe forms with a risk of death.

In order to combat this disease, PAHO has emphasized the importance of countries and their partners prioritizing actions to improve access to diagnosis and treatment, addressing the barriers that affected communities may face, such as rural and mobile populations.

Malaria is one of more than 30 diseases that need to be eradicated as part of PAHO's 2030 Elimination Initiative of Communicable Diseases.