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 evidence-based efforts in malaria control and elimination in the Americas.
The announcement was made at an event organized by PAHO as part of Malaria Day in the AmericasDuring the meeting, the initiative partners recognized the work of communities and public health entities in reducing malaria and their contribution to improving access to diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
In a messageRecorded on the occasion of Malaria Day, celebrated on November 6, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa noted: “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 key stakeholders, so that we can make malaria treatment accessible to the population without any barriers.
Costa Rica received the award in recognition of the reduction in indigenous cases that the Huetar Norte region has experienced in recent years. Cases have dropped from 378 in 2022 to 128 in 2023 and, as of the first days of October 2024, only eight cases have been reported, representing significant progress towards the elimination of indigenous transmission of malaria.
This success is due to the implementation of various strategies, among which stands out passive surveillance in health services, that is, the early identification of malaria cases through rapid detection tests (RDTs); the active participation of volunteer collaborators; active and passive surveillance in farms and mining areas, which guarantees immediate attention to cases in the workplace. These measures were complemented by a massive intervention of drug administration in selected places.
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, Florida International University, and the American Society for Tropical Medicine. and health. Since 2009, more than 40 experiences across 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 female mosquito Anopheles infected. Symptoms include fever, headache, and chills, which may be mild. If left untreated, malaria can progress to serious illness or death.
To reduce malaria transmission, PAHO calls on countries to intensify efforts to eliminate malaria in the Americas and to expand access to diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Malaria is one of more than 30 diseases and related conditions that are set to be eliminated by 2030 under the Initiative for the elimination of communicable diseases carried out by PAHO in the region.
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